Wayne Rooney has reportedly been sacked as Birmingham manager after just 15 matches in charge.
The 38-year-old was hired as a replacement for John Eustace back in October, with the Blues board convinced he could guide the club into the Premier League.
However, Rooney's time at St Andrew's has failed to live up to the hype so far.
Birmingham have won just two of their 15 matches under the England and Manchester United icon, slipping to 20th in the Championship table as a result.
Wayne Rooney has been sacked as Birmingham manager after a nightmare stint in charge of the club
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And Rooney has now been relieved of his duties, with Birmingham choosing to bring the axe crashing down on his tenure.
Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, explained the decision by saying: “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."It comes after Birmingham were outplayed, outfought and outran by Leeds United in a 3-0 defeat on Monday night.
The Blues hierarchy now have a big decision to make, with their decision to hire Rooney in the first place backfiring spectacularly.
Eustace had secured victories over Huddersfield and West Brom prior to his departure. But Birmingham opted to hire Rooney believing the former United captain could guide them into the Premier League.
Tom Brady purchased a minor stake in the club last year.
He admitted at the time that he had a 'lot to learn' about the game.
And Brady and the rest of the Birmingham board now face appointing yet another new manager.
Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper, who was axed by the Premier League side last month, is the favourite to take over.
However, Gambling.com say Will Still and Jesse Marsch are also options as Birmingham look to boost their chances of climbing up the Championship table.
Meanwhile, as Birmingham lost to Leeds on Monday, fans could be heard chanting about Jimmy Savile.
And Rooney hit out at supporters in the aftermath of his side's defeat, saying: “The only chant I didn’t appreciate really was the Jimmy Savile one.
"I just don’t think that’s acceptable."
Rooney did, however, vow to fight on.
“I’m a fighter and I get football fans’ opinions,” he added.
“I have to draw on my career, my playing career wasn’t always about success.
"I was in a relegation battle with Everton, I believe in myself.
"We’ve got a very young squad and it’s difficult for the players as well.
"The second half wasn’t good enough, but we have to keep fighting.
“I think what is clear is we need some players coming in to help the quality of the team and some fresh faces around the building.
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Wayne Rooney had been defiant before news of his sacking from Birmingham broke
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"We are working extremely hard to get players in.”
Rooney also admitted he was unhappy at Birmingham allowing Patrick Bamford to open the scoring, admitting the opening goal of the game hurt his side.
“Until they scored the first goal, I thought we played well. The first goal makes a big difference to the game,” Rooney explained.
“You can’t leave Bamford free in the six-yard box because he will punish you.
"After they scored the second, I felt if we got the next goal we could get back in the game.”
