https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/10/11/wayne-rooney-birmingham-city/
Wayne Rooney on Wednesday was named coach of second-flight Birmingham City in his native England.
WASHINGTON POST
Four days after leaving D.C. United, Wayne Rooney on Wednesday was named coach of second-flight Birmingham City in his native England.
Rooney, 37, signed a 3½-year contract, according to the club, which is seeking to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2010-11. The Blues (5-3-3) are in sixth place in a 24-team league that annually promotes three sides to the top-tier circuit.
“I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity,” Rooney said in a statement. “It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.”
Rooney’s quick move into a new job was not surprising. His contract with United was to expire at the end of the year, and with the club losing hope of qualifying for the MLS playoffs this fall, it became clear D.C. officials were unlikely to offer him a new deal.
In a private meeting last Thursday, Rooney and chief executive Jason Levien agreed they would part ways when the club was eliminated from postseason contention. That came Saturday, despite a 2-0 season-ending victory over New York City FC.
When United hired Rooney in July 2022, club officials understood the former English national team star would use the job as a steppingstone to further his coaching career in Europe. Before joining United, Rooney began his managerial tenure with second-division Derby County.
His playing career included a 1½-year stint with United, ending in 2019 — the last time the club advanced to the MLS playoffs.
Returning to Washington as a coach in July 2022, Rooney stepped into a mess and, after an offseason of considerable roster change, he instituted greater structure and organization. United, though, never built any long-term momentum and, with a 2-5-5 slide down the stretch, finished with a 10-14-10 record.
