Rooney discusses ambition to take Birmingham City to the Premier League ambition
Wayne Rooney believes Birmingham City belong in the Premier League and says that his aim is to “make that happen”.
The former England captain, 37, was appointed the Championship club’s new manager on a three-and-a-half-year contract on Wednesday.
Rooney said he was “intrigued” and “excited” by the opportunity he now has at St Andrew’s.
He told BBC Radio WM: “I want to build Birmingham back up - really get it back to where it belongs. It’s a huge club.”
“It hasn’t been where I think I should it have been over the last 10 years and now this is a challenge and an opportunity to get it back there.”
Rooney’s appointment is the first made by Blues’ new American owners Shelby Companies Limited (SCL), who took over in July and ended head coach John Eustace’s 15-month spell in charge on Monday.
SCL is a subsidiary of Birmingham owners Knighthead Capital Management LLC, who welcomed seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady as a minority owner of the club in August.
‘I want to be the one to lead’
It marks a return to English football for Rooney, who heads into his third job in management after stints with Derby County and, most recently, American side DC United - who he left earlier this month.
Birmingham sit sixth in the Championship going into the international break, with Rooney’s first game in charge away at Middlesbrough - managed by his former Manchester United team-mate Michael Carrick - on 21 October.
“I’m excited and, after speaking to the owners, was intrigued and wanted to get in and be part of it.
Rooney has agreed a deal with Birmingham City until 2027
“The club is looking to elevate itself to new levels and I really want to be the one to lead that.”
The former Manchester United and Everton striker said he has already had a “great” meeting with the squad and highlighted the quality of the young players he can now develop, saying “that’s something I’ve always tried to do as a coach”.
Giving young players their opportunity was one of the things Rooney became known for during a turbulent time in charge of Derby, whom he saved them from relegation in his first four months at the helm, only to suffer relegation to League One the following season in 2021-22 against the backdrop of administration, a 21-point penalty and a transfer embargo.
Another consistent trait of Rooney’s career so far has been an attempt to play attractive football, and he says that will be no different at St Andrew’s.
“I want us to be be a possession-based team, to get the ball forward and excite the fans. Ultimately we have to win and that’s the most important thing,” he said.
“You’re always learning, even managers at the top level.
“Football changes all the time and it’s important you study the game and the changes, and have your own way and identity to get the best out of the players.”
Birmingham City chief executive Garry Cook (left) called Rooney’s appointment a “defining moment”
Rooney has ‘no problem’ dealing with pressure of expectation
Rooney arrives in the West Midlands with expectations high that he can finally end the club’s exile from the Premier League, which dates back to 2011.
Ten managers have come and gone since then, along with several close shaves with relegation, and a prolonged period of uncertainty over the club’s ownership that was only recently resolved with SCL’s takeover in July.
But Rooney, who made his Premier League debut as a 16-year-old with Everton in 2002, says his career on the field and in the dugout will stand him in good stead when it comes to dealing with the pressure he will face with Blues.
“I love it,” he said. “I’ve dealt with a lot of pressure throughout my whole career, since I was 16.
“You’re in the game to develop yourself and your team, and not be afraid to takes risks and make mistakes - you learn from the mistakes you make, that’s how you improve.
“I’ve no problem with the pressure and I have to make sure the players are ready for that. We have expectations and targets to hit.
“Winning is always the key but the plan is getting back playing at the top level.
“That’s the target for us and I’m here to make that happen.”
Wayne Rooney was speaking to BBC Radio WM’s Birmingham City reporter Richard Wilford.
