Wayne Rooney has been confirmed as the new Birmingham City manager on a three-and-a-half year deal.
Rooney succeeds Blues head coach John Eustace, who was sacked on Monday after 15 months in charge.
Since Shelby Companies Limited, the Blues’ new American owners, took over in July, they have only made one managerial change, hiring the former Everton and Manchester United strikers.
Ashley Cole, a current England Under-21 assistant, and John O’Shea, a former United colleague and the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s national team, will support Rooney.
Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth will also be part of Wayne’s backroom staff after both assisted him at DC United.
It will be Rooney’s third job in management, following spells at the MLS club and Derby County.
“Wayne is a born winner,” Blues co-owner and chairman Tom Wagner said.
“We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey.
“His playing philosophy will help us realize the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City.
“Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education while still a player at Manchester United.
“He and his staff have the full support of the board and everyone at the football club.”
