Wayne Rooney has been appointed as Birmingham City’s new manager.
The Manchester United legend replaces John Eustace at St Andrews after he was sacked earlier today.
Birmingham co-owner and NFL legend Tom Brady has been in regular talks with Looney about the position in recent weeks.
The sporting icon believes he will be able to attract big-name players to join the Blues and eventually lead them back to the Premier League.
He hired Ashley Cole and former Manchester United team-mate John O’Shea as coaches.
Both will retain their coaching roles with their respective national teams, with Cole as assistant coach of the England Under-21s and O’Shea as assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland.
His first game in charge will be against another Red Devils friend, Michael Carrick, who manages Middlesbrough.
The 37-year-old is expected to start his first training session tomorrow.
A statement from Birmingham City said: “Birmingham City Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Wayne Rooney as head coach, agreeing a three-and-a-half-year contract.”
Birmingham chief executive Gary Cook famously tried to sign Wayne Rooney from Manchester United to Manchester City in 2010.
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Thirteen years later, Cook finally found the right person, albeit in a different capacity.
On accepting his appointment, Rooney said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time.
“It’s clear they have a plan and are committed to delivering on their ambitions for the club. We are fully in line with expectations.
“I have been building my management career and putting myself in challenging circumstances to prepare for this opportunity.
“This project has given me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.”
Cook also expressed “excited” about Rooney’s arrival.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting the England legend’s first start at St Andrews and how he will progress in the coming transfer window.
Rooney began his coaching career at Derby County in the Championship.
The Rams were bottom of the table when he took over at Pride Park in November 2020, but under the former forward they escaped relegation at the end of the season.
After Derby County were relegated to the First Division, Rooney resigned at the end of the following season and subsequently joined Major League Soccer side D.C. United.
He coached Washington in 52 games, recording just 13 wins and 26 losses.
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