The former England striker only lasted three months in the dugout (Picture: Getty)
Wayne Rooney says it will ‘take him some time’ to get over his dismissal as Birmingham City boss and aimed a little dig at the decision to remove him after so little time in the dugout.
The former Manchester United and England striker was handed the reins in October despite Birmingham performing well under the popular John Eustace, with the side in sixth place when Rooney was appointed.
But he oversaw just two wins from his 15 matches in charge of the club, with that miserable run of form seeing the side slide down to 20th position after losing to Leeds United on New Year’s Day.
Birmingham confirmed they had parted ways with Rooney on Tuesday morning and while the 38-year-old wished the club well, he was not best pleased that he was given so little time to try and implement the changes he had been tasked with.
In a statement following his dismissal, Rooney said: ‘I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Brimingham 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 manger 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.
Rooney lasted just 15 matches before getting the axe (Picture: Getty)
‘I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or a 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.’
Rooney, who previously managed MLS side DC United, had been tasked with playing more adventurous, front-foot, modern football but struggled to implement his ideas.
He had hoped to use the January transfer window to refresh his squad and bring in players more suited to his philosophy, but will no longer get that opportunity.
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Birmingham CEO Garry Cook said of the decision to sack Rooney: ‘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.’
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