Wayne Rooney SACKED! Tom Brady & Birmingham wield the axe as Man Utd legend sees sorry reign at St Andrew’s ended after 15 games

The Manchester United and England legend only took the reins at St Andrew’s in October 2023, but he has paid the ultimate price for a sorry run of results that has delivered nine defeats and the collection of just 10 points from a possible 45.

The Blues had occupied a play-off spot when Rooney was appointed as successor to John Eustace, but they now sit 20th in the Championship table – with only a six-point gap separating them from the relegation zone. Rooney previously tumbled into League One during a spell in charge of Derby.

Birmingham's chief executive officer Garry Cook confirmed Rooney's exit in an official statement on the club's website, which reads: “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."

Rooney will not be given the chance to turn things around in the West Midlands, with the Birmingham board – which includes NFL legend Brady – deciding to move in a different direction. That decision has been made following talks on the back of a 3-0 defeat at Leeds that delivered the worst possible start to 2024. Birmingham have also confirmed that Steve Spooner, the club's professional development coach, will take charge of the first-team on an interim basis.

Rooney was taunted with “get out of our club” chants from Birmingham supporters during another disappointing display at Elland Road, with the former Three Lions captain unable to deliver on the “no fear football” remit presented to him. Spooner or Rooney's long-term successor could now be given the chance to tinker with an underperforming squad in the January transfer window.