Wayne Rooney takes parting swipe at Tom Brady and Co as he releases statement after Birmingham sacking
WAYNE ROONEY has hit out at Birmingham City after being sacked just 13 weeks into the job.
Wazza was shown the door today after winning just two of his 15 matches at the helm.
ReutersWayne Rooney has hit out at Birmingham City after being sacked[/caption]
GettyNFL legend Tom Brady was among the chiefs who decided to pull the trigger[/caption]
The 3-0 defeat to Leeds on New Year’s Day proved to be the final straw as fans turned on Rooney.
But the former England captain has now taken aim at Brum chiefs Tom Wagner, Gary Cook and NFL legend Tom Brady.
He believes they have been too hasty in pulling the trigger, with Rooney only taking charge from John Eustace in October.
And the Manchester United hero, who previously managed Derby County and DC United, admits he will now take a well-deserved rest with wife Colleen and their children.
A statement from Rooney 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.
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
“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.”
The Blues were 5th in the Championship table when Rooney took the reigns following Eustace’s controversial sacking.
They now sit 20th after a dismal run that included nine defeats in 15 outings.
Brum chief Cook said: “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.”
Birmingham will now be looking to appoint a new manager ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hull in the FA Cup, with development coach Steve Spooner in charge as interim.
Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is thought to be high on their list.
But he is also wanted by Crystal Palace, who could be set to axe Roy Hodgson this month.
As for Rooney, he is sure to have plenty of options on the table once he decides to return from his break.
The likes of Salford City and Inter Miami could jump at the chance to land him.
And Wazza could even have his eyes on bigger prizes, such as the England and United jobs.
