WAYNE Rooney has been fired by Birmingham City after just three months in charge of the Championship club.

The former England, Everton and Manchester United forward was relieved of his duties after a dismal run of just two victories in 15 matches, which took Birmingham City from sixth to 20th in the English second tier.

“Birmingham City has today parted company with Manager, Wayne Rooney, and First Team Coach, Carl Robinson.
Despite their best efforts, results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset. Therefore, the Board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club,” the club announced on their official website today.

“The Club’s Board and management are fully aligned and will continue to drive transformation and take bold steps to rebuild Birmingham City into the organisation its fans and community deserve.

“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.”

Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, noted: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s.

“Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.

“The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news.”

Birmingham confirmed that Professional Development Coach, Steve Spooner, will take temporary charge of the first team to be assisted by the remaining coaching staff that were not sacked along with Rooney.

Legendary as a player, with scoring records at both England and Manchester United, Rooney has struggled as a coach, having previously handled Derby County and DC United in the American Major League Soccer.

Rooney, 38, was appointed 82 days ago to replace John Eustace but Birmingham City have gone backwards since then, winning two, drawing four and losing a whopping nine of their games.

[NaijaTimes]