Former Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce has leapt to the defence of Wayne Rooney following his poor start to life at St Andrew’s.
Under the guidance of John Eustace, the Blues made an excellent start to the new Championship season, and a 3-1 win over rivals West Bromwich Albion at the beginning of October saw the West Midlands side enter the international break sixth in the table. However, news across the pond had a huge effect on Birmingham when Rooney opted to depart MLS side DC United following their failure to qualify for the end of season play-offs.
Eustace was promptly dismissed – much to the dismay of supporters – and immediately replaced with the ex-Derby County manager. In a statement, CEO Garry Cook defended the decision, saying;
“John (Eustace) had clear ambitions and goals for the season. Unfortunately, following a series of meetings over a number of months, it became clear that there was a misalignment with the leadership of the Club. When this happens, the best thing to do is to part company.”
The change of personnel hasn’t gone to plan though, with the 38-year-old picking up just one point from his opening five games. As a result, the club have slipped to 18th.
Despite Birmingham’s excellent start, Rooney was determined to implement his style of football, immediately changing what had been successful during the opening couple of months. Although results have dipped, the gaffer is determined to stick with his plan in what he believes will eventually lead towards their ambition of returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2011.
Eustace had overseen an optimism that led to many supporters dreaming of at least a play-off place this season, but former manager Steve Bruce believes that would’ve come too soon following years of battling with relegation. Speaking to Gambling Zone, via Birmingham Live, the 62-year-old said;
“I think it’s a season too soon for Birmingham, but you never know what’s going to happen. They were right up there a few weeks ago.
“The club has been in a dark place ever since David Sullivan left. I think David left around ten years ago, and there’s been no real stability at the top.
“I would assume, and hope, that Tom Brady and the American investors bring in a bit of stability. They wanted to bring in a new manager and they’ve done that with Wayne Rooney. There’s no bigger box office name than him!
“He hasn’t had the best of starts, though. I’m sure they’ll have something in place. They have to get St Andrew’s fixed, and I’m sure the training ground will be expanded. You’d expect Birmingham to do good things with Wayne and Tom Brady involved.
“It’s been a struggle over the last decade. I always look at their results, I was there for two years as a player and nearly seven as a manager. I wish Wayne the best, I really do.”
Although it is early days, Rooney has already started to come under pressure from sections of the supporters, but Bruce has urged the club to stand by their man;
“We spoke about the time given to modern managers earlier and how the transfer windows work. Wayne has to put his stamp on it – he’s already changed their playing philosophy and that’s his prerogative.
“The most important thing a manager needs is time. Let him implement what he’s doing. He hasn’t had the best start, but he’s proven what he can do at Derby. He plays a certain way, and that takes getting used to.”
Birmingham have a huge opportunity to return to winning ways this weekend when they host basement side Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon.
Writer’s View
Wayne Rooney faced a monumental task of getting the supporters onside following John Eustace’s dismissal, with the former manager enjoying immense popularity at the club. His job has gotten much harder in recent weeks due to his poor start, but Birmingham have made this decision with the long-term in mind and there is no sign that any further rash decisions will be made.
Bruce is right that the ex-Manchester United striker needs to be given time and it is something that he will no doubt receive. However, defeat against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday would be a mini disaster and one that he may struggle to recover from.
Head of Writing
