Former Derby County boss Wayne Rooney sacked by Birmingham City after just 15 games

Former Derby County boss Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Birmingham City after just 15 games in charge.

Rooney took over at Birmingham somewhat controversially after they parted ways with John Eustace with the club sixth in the Championship.

Since then, they have won just two in 15 games and have slipped to 20th place, just six points off the relegation zone.

In a statement released on social media, Wayne Rooney said: "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.

"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."

It seems as though the former Derby boss feels he deserved more time at St Andrews and now plans to take a break in football to decide his next steps as a coach.

Rooney's legacy at Pride Park was very different as he became a fan favourite. He joined Derby in 2020 as a player and scored six goals in 30 games.

Following the departure of manager Phillip Cocu, Rooney was then appointed manager in January 2021. In his season and a half as head coach, Rooney faced a 21 point deduction from the EFL with the Rams in administration.

He took charge whilst Derby were at risk of liquidation and despite the minus 21 points, almost kept the Rams in the Championship. He remains a favourite with Derby fans, not quite the same as his legacy with the Blues.