Wayne Rooney already has sights set on two other jobs as Birmingham appoint Premier League legend
Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the new manager of Birmingham
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Wayne Rooney is back in English football after Birmingham confirmed his appointment on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old returns to these shores after a mixed spell at DC United, having also been manager of Derby County since retiring from football back in 2021.
Birmingham confirmed the appointment of Rooney following the sacking of John Eustace.
The former Premier League striker can't wait to get started and reacted by saying: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time.
Birmingham have replaced John Eustace with Premier League icon Wayne Rooney
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"It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club. We are fully aligned on what is expected.
"I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity.
"It's a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can't wait to get started.
"We have some exciting young players in the squad, and some who are still to break through into the first team, alongside a core of experienced senior professionals.
"I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it.
"We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet.
"I've played at St. Andrew's and Birmingham City fans were always loud and passionate about their team.
"It was a really difficult place to come as an opponent and now I get to experience what it is like to have them behind us.
"My job is to elevate the club to the next level and I can't wait to get started.
"I know what the expectations are and our job is to deliver."
Rooney has, however, listed two clubs he dreams of managing.
Everton are one of them, with the 37-year-old having two spells at Goodison Park during his time as a football player.
And, unsurprisingly, Manchester United are another - with Rooney the club's all-time leading goalscorer.
Speaking in 2022, when asked if he'd love to manager either side, he said: “Of course I would.
"At the minute obviously my focus is on Derby County and staying up [in the Championship], but Manchester United and Everton are the two clubs that are very close to me.
“Hopefully one day in the future I can manage one of those two clubs. It'd be a great achievement for me.”
Rooney will have to show he's got what it takes to manage at the very highest level during his time at Birmingham.
He takes over a side that are sixth in the Championship table, having won five of their 11 matches so far.
Given their position in the standings, fans will want Birmingham to make the playoffs at least.
And, if they don't, then scrutiny will increase over the former England captain - especially given the popularity of Eustace.
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Wayne Rooney would love to manage Everton or Manchester United one day
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Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook, meanwhile, has said the club are thrilled over Rooney's arrival and believe he has what it takes to shine in the dugout.
He said: "We are incredibly excited by Wayne's arrival.
"When the opportunity presents itself to appoint a manager who shares your ambition and is both a student and a great of the game, then you act. This is what we have done.
"We are confident that his appointment, supported by his hand-picked coaching staff, will culminate in a young, attack-minded team that will excite our fans.
"The timing of the appointment will allow Wayne to evaluate the playing staff and work with Craig Gardner on the squad's recruitment needs ahead of the January and summer transfer windows. This is a defining moment for the football club."