Outgoing Birmingham City boss John Eustace is ‘hugely disappointed’, but ‘unsurprised’ to have faced the chop earlier this week, according to Sky Sports.
The 43-year-old left his role as manager at St Andrew’s on Monday, with the Blues announcing that they wanted to implement a ‘winning mentality and culture of ambition across the entire Football Club’.
It was a decision that drew widespread criticism, with Birmingham in the midst of their best start to a league campaign in years, and Friday’s 3-1 win over rivals West Bromwich Albion left the West Midlands side sitting comfortably in sixth heading into the international break. The elation quickly turned to uncertainty however, with news across the pond emerging that Wayne Rooney was to step down from his post at MLS side DC United following their failure to reach the play-offs.
The former England legend was linked to the role at Birmingham last month following reports that Scottish giants Rangers were considering Eustace as an option to replace Michael Beale, although those rumours soon died out. However, Rooney’s sudden availability accelerated matters and the club decided to take matters into their own hands and make the change before the 37-year-old was snapped up elsewhere.
It was a bold decision by the US owners, who knew of the backlash they would receive. According to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, it was one in which director of football Craig Gardner was heavily involved in;
“My understanding is that Craig Gardner, the director of football here, had a big part to play in this decision. He wants to see Birmingham play a more attacking brand of football. It’s pretty clear Rooney is box office – he’s a huge name in world football. I think both sides saw this as a natural full-stop for Rooney at DC United and the start of a new chapter.”
The same report also revealed Eustace’s feelings at departing his hometown club;
“Eustace is understood to have been unsurprised, but remains hugely disappointed by his sacking – and feels he helped to stabilise and steer the club through some of its toughest recent times.”
Indeed, the former midfielder did help stabilise the club and this season’s unexpected good start lifts a cloud that was hanging over the club after years spent flirting with relegation to League One. He has crafted a squad of his own, with the players closely aligned to their ex-gaffer;
“Birmingham’s players are equally saddened by his departure, having enjoyed a close relationship with the 43-year-old.”
All eyes will be on the Riverside Stadium following the international break, when Rooney goes up against his former Manchester United teammate in a clash with Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough.
Writer’s View
On the face of it, it seems as though Birmingham have created unnecessary drama. John Eustace was quietly going about his business and building something that Blues’ fans could finally get excited about.
An unlikely promotion push is on the cards and Rooney will know that he must build on that over the coming months. However, 37-year-old is no stranger to pressure and will relish his new surroundings. He just needs to get the players to buy into his philosophy and not upset the apple cart too much.
As for the outgoing manager, his stock is high and he won’t be spending too long unemployed. Expect him to be linked with a number of positions in the coming months.
