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Wayne Rooney watches before the start of the Major League Soccer (MLS) match between DC United and Atlanta United on August 28, 2022.
CNN
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Football legend Wayne Rooney has been announced as the new manager of Birmingham City, with NFL icon Tom Brady taking a minority stake in the English club.
Rooney left his post at Major League Soccer (MLS) side D.C. United by mutual consent on Sunday, but jumped straight back into the head coaching job to join forces with the NFL superstar.
Earlier this year, Brady joined a partnership as a minority shareholder in Birmingham City and was appointed chairman of a new advisory board.
The club currently plays in English football’s second tier, one level below the Premier League, and Rooney will be tasked with propelling his new side back to the top.
The former England and Manchester United striker has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract and will be joined by a number of his former United team-mates such as Ashley Cole and John O’Shea who will form part of his backroom staff .
“Wayne is a natural winner. We are confident that, with the support of his coaching staff, the club and our supporters, he will lead the Blues next season,” Birmingham City boss Tom Wagner said in a statement. One stage of the journey forward. ”
“His playing philosophy will help achieve the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City.”
Birmingham sacked their former manager John Eustace on Monday after just 15 months in charge.
The team currently sits sixth in the standings, just within reach of the playoff spot.
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Birmingham City boss Tom Brady during a game in August.
Rooney said he was “extremely delighted” to join the club and continue to develop his coaching career.
This will be Rooney’s third managerial role after Derby County and D.C. United, and the first appointment for Birmingham City’s new ownership group.
“It’s clear they have a plan and are committed to delivering on the club’s ambitions. We are fully in line with expectations,” Rooney said in a statement. ”
“I have been building my management career and putting myself in challenging environments to prepare for this opportunity. “This project has given me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started. ”
Since becoming a minority owner of the club, Brady was spotted attending a game at Birmingham City in August and even visited a local pub to meet fans.
Brady has yet to comment publicly on Looney’s appointment.