Birmingham City parts ways with Wayne Rooney following their New Year’s Day loss against Leeds United.
The defeat dropped the club to 20th place in the Championship, a stark contrast from their sixth-place standing when Rooney assumed the managerial role in October.
During his tenure, Rooney managed only two victories out of 15 matches at St Andrew’s, failing to gain support from the club’s fanbase.
This decision follows the unexpected dismissal of John Eustace earlier in the season, despite his success in leading the team to the play-off positions.
The decision did not sit well with supporters and Rooney needed a fast start to get fans on side.
However, a dismal run of form left Rooney clinging to his job and the board have taken action after the club dropped to 20th in the league table.
‘Birmingham City has today parted company with Manager, Wayne Rooney, and First Team Coach, Carl Robinson,’ a statement read.
‘Despite their best efforts, results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset.
Therefore, the Board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club.
‘The Club’s Board and management are fully aligned and will continue to drive transformation and take bold steps to rebuild Birmingham City into the organisation its fans and community deserve.
‘The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.’
The Blues registered just one shot on target across their last two games and defeat against Leeds on Monday saw supporters fully turn against Rooney.
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Asked whether he planned to persevere after the Elland Road defeat, amid the growing calls for him to go, Rooney said:
‘Of course. I’m a fighter. I get football is about opinions, I completely get that.
‘I’ve obviously spoken to the owners. That is private between me and the owners.
We are going through a difficult period, there’s no denying that, and we need to do everything we can to come out of that.
‘What’s clear is we need some players in. We need players to come in to help with the quality of the team but also some fresh faces in the building as well.
‘I believe in myself. We have a very young squad and it’s difficult for the players at the minute. We have to keep believing we will get through this.
‘This was always going to be a very difficult game for us. For 30 minutes, I thought we more than competed and created some good opportunities.
The second half wasn’t good enough, but we have to keep going through the process to improve the team.’
Rooney was appointed with a mind to ushering in a new dawn at a club who last enjoyed Premier League status back in 2011,
with chairman Garry Cook saying the Liverpudlian would play ‘no fear’ football.
Gary Rowett, Lee Carsley and Neil Warnock are said to be in the frame to succeed Rooney at St Andrew’s.
