Wayne Rooney, a former forward for Manchester United and England, has been named Birmingham City’s manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal, the Championship-level club said on Wednesday.
Rooney, a former head coach of DC United, takes over for John Eustace, who was fired on Monday with the Midlands team in sixth place and 12 points behind of league leaders Leicester City.
“I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity.
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“ It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started,” Rooney said in a statement.
“I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it. We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet.”
Rooney will be supported by former England team mate Ashley Cole and ex-United team mate John O’Shea, who will both keep their assistant coaching roles with the England under-21 and Ireland senior teams, respectively.
Rooney, 37, stepped down as manager of Major League Soccer (MLS) club DC United last week after they missed out on the MLS Cup playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
Prior to his stint with DC United, Rooney had a 17-month spell in charge of Derby County where his team collected 55 points — enough for survival — but were relegated to the third tier after points were deducted amid financial trouble.
“Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United,” Birmingham chairman and co-owner Tom Wagner said.
“He and his staff have the full support of the Board and everyone at the football club.”
Rooney played with United, where he amassed 253 goals and helped the Old Trafford team to five Premier League championships and the Champions League.
He also contributed 53 goals to the national squad of England.
Birmingham, who last competed in the Premier League’s top division in 2011, has 18 points after 11 games.
On October 21, they will go to Middlesbrough to play.