Birmingham City have confirmed they have parted ways with manager John Eustace ahead of Wayne Rooney’s expected appointment at the club.
Mail Sport revealed on Sunday night that Rooney is the clear front-runner to become Birmingham’s manager after doubts grew over Eustace’s performance as head coach.
The former England captain has left his role as manager of Major League Soccer club DC United and retains strong links in the English game.
In a statement Birmingham wrote on the club website: ‘With this in mind, Birmingham City have today parted ways with head coach John Eustace.
‘Eustace leaves after 15 months in charge, having helped to stabilize and strengthen the club on the pitch following his appointment in July 2022.
Birmingham City have confirmed they have parted ways with head coach John Eustace
Wayne Rooney (left) is the clear front-runner to become Birmingham City’s next manager and will join NFL legend Tom Brady (right) at St Andrew’s, who own a minority stake in the club.
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‘In his first season in charge, he guided the team to a 17th-place finish, securing Sky Bet Championship status with three games remaining.
‘During his time at St. Andrew’s, he encouraged the team to produce a number of memorable moments in testing conditions.
‘The Club would like to thank John for his contribution. His dedication and work ethic was evident throughout his time in B9 and he will always return to St. Andrew’s is welcomed.
“A new first team manager will be announced in the coming days who will be responsible for creating an identity and clear ‘no fear’ style of play that all Birmingham City teams will adopt and embrace.
“The club will make no further comment at this time.”
Eustace’s sacking comes with the Blues sitting sixth in the Championship table after 11 games.
The 43-year-old took charge in the summer of 2022 and guided the club to comfortable survival against a backdrop of financial uncertainty.
He has now overseen a promising opening to the first season under the club’s American owners – who include NFL great Tom Brady.
Brady (right) recently became a minority owner at Birmingham and is known to be friends with Rooney
Rooney has confirmed that he believes it is the ‘right time’ for him to leave MLS side DC United
Brady recently joined the club as a minority owner and is known to be friends with the retired NFL star.
Mail Sport revealed in September that the club were considering Rooney as a potential replacement for Eustace, following the club’s new investment.
Meanwhile, Rooney announced his departure from Washington on Saturday night. He said: ‘I think it’s just the right time. I did everything I could to try and get the club into the playoffs. It wasn’t a single thing that happened. It’s about timing in your career.
‘I really enjoyed my time here. I had very good help from the owners… I just feel it’s the right time for me to go back to England, first to see my family of course. I haven’t seen them for a long time.’
‘And then, what lies ahead? Or opportunities arise? I have seen many reports in the media. I have nothing lined up.
‘I’m going back there to see my family. If something comes up in October, November, of course I’ll look at it.’
Ashley Cole and John O’Shea could be part of a new-look coaching led by Rooney
Reports have also claimed that Rooney has targeted two former teammates as part of his coaching staff for his next job.
The United legend is understood to be taking two familiar faces with him as part of his backroom set-up as he looks to bring in Ashley Cole and John O’Shea into his coaching staff.
Rooney played with Cole for England and spent many years with O’Shea for Manchester United and BBC 5 Live claimed a deal was in place for the pair to join the former Derby boss in a new-look coaching staff at St Andrews.
Cole moved into coaching after his retirement in 2019, first taking a role at Derby before working with Chelsea’s academy and the England U21s.
