Birmingham City Football Club has appointed Wayne Rooney as their new head coach. This development sees the 37-year-old former England captain taking on the role for a substantial three-and-a-half-year tenure.

Rooney’s appointment comes as a result of the club parting ways with John Eustace, the previous head coach, who was dismissed from his position after a 15-month tenure. This strategic move marks the first significant decision by Birmingham City’s new ownership group, Shelby Companies Limited, who assumed control in July.

The new manager, Wayne Rooney, will be joined by his former England teammate and current England Under-21 assistant coach, Ashley Cole. Furthermore, Rooney’s former colleague from his Manchester United days, John O’Shea, who currently serves as the assistant coach for the Republic of Ireland men’s national team, will also provide support.

Rooney is set to assemble an experienced backroom staff, with Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, who previously assisted him at DC United, coming on board. This support network is expected to strengthen Birmingham City’s coaching team.

This will be Wayne Rooney’s third managerial role, following his stints at the MLS club and Derby County. His managerial debut with Birmingham City is scheduled for October 21st, where the team will face Middlesbrough.

Blues co-owner and chairman, Tom Wagner, expressed his confidence in Rooney’s abilities, saying, “Wayne is a born winner. We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey. His playing philosophy will help to realize the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City. Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education while still a player at Manchester United. He and his staff have the full support of the board and everyone at the football club.”

Rooney’s appointment as the new manager of Birmingham City marks a significant change for the club under its new ownership, with high expectations for his leadership and coaching philosophy to guide the team to success in the Championship.