Wayne Rooney back in English football with Championship job | OneFootball

Birmingham City have confirmed Wayne Rooney as their new Head Coach on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The news does not come as a surprise given the former Manchester United and Everton striker had been tipped for the role in recent weeks prior to his departure from DC United and the Blues’ sacking of John Eustace.

After DC failed to make the MLS playoffs, the ex-England captain had said it was the “right time” to leave the US capital.

Rooney is the second big name to join Birmingham recently, following the arrival of NFL icon Tom Brady as a minority owner this summer.

The former Manchester United and England striker told the club’s official website: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time.

“It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club.

“We are fully aligned on what is expected. I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity.

“It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.”

The United and Three Lions legend spent the past 15 months in MLS but began his managerial career in the Championship with Derby County, where his spell was overshadowed by the club’s financial issues, transfer embargoes and eventual relegation before the former striker resigned in the summer of 2022.

He takes over at St. Andrew’s with the club sitting in sixth in the Championship after 11 games, and will be joined by former teammates John O’Shea and Ashley Cole, who will form part of his backroom staff.