‘ I was not given enough time ‘ – Wayne Rooney laments following Birmingham sack

Caretaker January 2, 2024

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Wayne Rooney says he was not given enough time following his sack by Birmingham City after managing the club for only 15 games, taking the club from 6th to 20th in that time.

Former Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney says he was not given enough time following his sack by Birmingham City after managing the club for only 15 games, taking the club from 6th to 20th in that time.

Rooney, who won just two out of 15 matches in charge, took to social media platform X to express his gratitude to the club’s leadership for the opportunity and acknowledge the challenges faced during his brief tenure whic ended after a 3-0 loss to Leeds United on New year’s day.

In his statement, Rooney thanked Tom Wagner, Tom Brady, and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they provided during his short period with the club.

The former D.C. United manager acknowledged that football is a results-driven business and recognized that the team’s performance did not meet the desired level.

Rooney expressed that, personally, it will take him some time to overcome this setback, emphasizing the need for time to implement the changes he believed were necessary. He highlighted the limited timeframe of 13 weeks to oversee the required changes and mentioned that he plans to take some time with his family as he prepares for the next opportunity in his managerial journey.

Rooney who has been involved in professional football since the age of 16, extended his best wishes to Birmingham City FC and its owners in the pursuit of their ambitions.

Rooney’s tenure at Birmingham City concludes with only two wins in 15 matches since taking on the role in October.

The decision to appoint Rooney, initiated by chief executive Garry Cook, has resulted in a disappointing chapter for the club, with the team now in 20th place in the English Championship.

WAYNE ROONEY’S STATEMENT

“I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club. Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be.

“However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed. Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16.

” Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager. Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”