Former England striker Wayne Rooney has agreed a deal to become Birmingham City’s next manager, according to Football Insider.
The 37-year-old departed Major League Soccer outfit D.C. United yesterday after failing to guide them to the end of season play-offs and immediately set his sights on a return to England. Speaking upon the announcement, the former Derby County boss said;
“It’s just the right time. I think I’ve done everything I can to try and get the club into (the) play-offs. It’s not one single thing which has happened, it’s about timing in your career. I have really enjoyed my time here. But I just feel it’s the right time to go back to England. What lies ahead, I don’t know.”
Rooney has been linked to the managerial post at Birmingham City since last month, when John Eustace was revealed to be in the running for the Rangers job. It was said that Michael Beale was set to be sacked following their defeat to Celtic, but he remained at the club and the rumours died out. However, the Glasgow giants eventually parted company with the 43-year-old last week, with Eustace once again thought to be in the running.
Birmingham’s excellent start to the Championship season has put him on the radar of a host of clubs and it was reported yesterday that several potential suitors from the Premier League are monitoring his progress.
Friday night’s 3-1 win over West Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion means that the Blues will head into the international break in sixth place, but it remains to be seen as to whether he will be in charge for the trip to Middlesbrough in just under two weeks time.
Football Insider state that Rooney has agreed to take the reins and his former Manchester United teammate John O’Shea will join him at St Andrew’s, as well as Chelsea legend Ashley Cole. There is no time frame put on the agreement, so it could just be Birmingham covering their bases in case Eustace is tempted by a move elsewhere.
Writer’s View
It seems odd that Birmingham would ‘appoint’ a new manager when they are currently enjoying their best start to a campaign in several years. However, they will be well aware that their current boss is attracting interest from elsewhere and are seemingly looking for a continuity plan.
Rooney is a manager that will be snapped up by other clubs and the Blues have clearly been monitoring the former Premier League star’s situation for some time. Could Birmingham opt to replace Eustace during the international break to avoid heartbreak further down the line? It’s set to be an interesting international break at St Andrew’s.
