Ex-United pair appointed at Birmingham City

Wednesday 11 October 2023 11:49

Former Manchester United favourites Wayne Rooney and John O'Shea have joined Birmingham City as manager and coach respectively.

The Midlanders, who appointed Super Bowl legend Tom Brady to the club's advisory board in August, have opted to change their boss by parting company with John Eustace.

The Championship side have turned their attention to Rooney, who recently resigned from his post with Major League Soccer side DC United.

NFL icon Tom Brady was a guest at Old Trafford last year.

Rooney becomes their new manager, on a three-and-a-half year contract, with former Reds team-mate O'Shea and ex-England defender Ashley Cole joining his coaching staff.

United's all-time record goalscorer has already experienced Birmingham's current level, having been Derby County's boss between 2021 and 2022.

O'Shea is continuing his role as assistant coach of Republic of Ireland's senior side but will be determined to help Blues gain promotion.

Rooney told Birmingham's official website that he is eager to start working at St Andrew's, with a first game coming up after the international break, ironically against a Middlesbrough side managed by his great friend Michael Carrick.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time," he said. "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.

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"We have some exciting young players in the squad, and some who are still to break through into the first team, alongside a core of experienced senior professionals. I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it. We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet.

"I’ve played at St. Andrew’s and Birmingham City fans were always loud and passionate about their team. It was a really difficult place to come as an opponent and now I get to experience what it is like to have them behind us. My job is to elevate the club to the next level and I can’t wait to get started. I know what the expectations are and our job is to deliver."

Best of luck to Wayne and Sheasy!

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