WAYNE ROONEY Named New Birmingham City Coach

Wayne Rooney has been named Birmingham City’s new manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The former Manchester United and England striker Rooney left his role as head coach of DC United by mutual consent on Sunday after they missed out on the MLS Cup play-offs.

Birmingham then began talks with the 37-year-old just hours after sacking boss John Eustace on Monday despite the club sitting sixth in the Championship following back-to-back wins.

Former England team-mate Ashley Cole, currently England Under-21s assistant coach, and John O’Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland, will join Rooney in Birmingham while keeping the roles with their national sides. Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, who both worked with Rooney at DC United, have also joined the club.

Rooney was at St Andrew’s on Thursday afternoon as he was introduced to the media at his first press conference as Blues boss.