Birmingham sack manager Rooney

Birmingham City have sacked manager Wayne Rooney after just 83 days in charge of the Championship club.

The 38-year-old was appointed on October 11 following the controversial decision to dismiss John Eustace, with Blues sixth on the table.

Since then they have slipped to 20th, Monday’s 3-0 loss at Leeds having been the ninth defeat of his 15-game tenure.

“Football is a results business and I recognise they’ve not been at the level I wanted them to be,” Rooney said.

Professional development coach Steve Spooner will take interim charge for Birmingham, who have also parted company with one of Rooney’s backroom team, former Wolves and Wales midfielder Carl Robinson.

‘It will take time to get over this setback’

Rooney said he now plans to take a break from the game.

“I would like to thank (co-owners) Tom Wagner and Tom Brady and (chief executive) Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club,” he said.

“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. Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.”