Birmingham City have sacked their coach and former Manchester United Star Wayne Rooney after just 15 games in charge.
Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Rooney remains the record goalscorer for Manchester United.
Rooney was appointed at St Andrew’s on October 11 on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the club sixth in the Championship following back-to-back wins under sacked manager John Eustace.
But Rooney has seen his team lose nine of the 15 matches they have played since he took over, leaving the club in 20th place in the Championship table.
Former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch and England U21s head coach Lee Carsley are among the names Birmingham City want to talk to about the managerial vacancy at St Andrews, Sky Sports News has been told.
Former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper was also under consideration, though it’s thought he is keen to wait for a job in the Premier League before returning to football management, and so Birmingham are unlikely to pursue him.
Tony Mowbray – who is a free agent after being sacked by Sunderland a month ago – is also a potential candidate.
Birmingham’s bosses will take their time and carry out a thorough assessment before appointing Wayne Rooney’s replacement.
They are aware that it will not be easy to find a candidate who fits all of their criteria: a manager with global appeal, one who can deliver “no fear” attacking football whilst also winning matches and move them into promotion contention in coming seasons.
Rooney released a statement in the wake of his sacking, which read: “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.”
Sky Sports News
