English football club Birmingham City, of which NFL legend Tom Brady is an investor, has taken the decision to part ways with its manager Wayne Rooney.

Rooney signed a three-and -a-half-year contract on October 11, 2023 and lasted just 83 days, winning just two of 15 matches with his new club. When he joined, Birmingham was in fifth place. Today, the club is in 20th spot and battling relegation.

Wayne Rooney was a Manchester United legend and that club’s highest goal scorer. He was a regular fixture in the England team and was hailed as part of England’s “golden generation”. 

This is his third attempt as a manager, having served stints at Derby County, the MLS’ DC United, and now booted from Birmingham City.

Birmingham’s CEO Garry Cook, through a club statement, said: “ 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.” 

Rooney has struggled to find his feet as a manager and has not replicated the success in that arena as he has done as a player. 

If he really wants to be a manager, he must stick at it and take himself somewhere which draws little attention and hone his skills. He has worked with some of the best managers in the game and so he must have learnt something.

Some say he may have been distracted by his problems with women, alcohol, his wife’s Coleen’s legal battle with Rebekah Vardy and that he must put all that behind him and focus on football management.

Aged 38, he has time to pick the right opportunity and labour at football management. Rather than opt for high-profile clubs, shine in the backwaters first.

Others of that golden generation have also found it difficult to make the transition to prime time management – namely Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Gerrard is currently struggling in Saudi Arabia after leaving Aston Villa. After he left the Midlands club, the next manager has taken the club to third in the EPL and the team is performing exceptionally well. 

Also, Manchester City defending star Vincent Kompany and former Arsenal captain Patrick Viera have found the going tough in EPL management.

“ Football is a results business and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be. However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient  to oversee the changes needed.

“Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager since I was 16.

“Now I plan to take time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as manager,” said Rooney.

Unfortunately, these days you are not given time. There’s too much at stake and Tom Brady and the other investors cannot countenance relegation. 

It’s a bit harsh to constantly hear that Rooney was out of his depth, but he should learn the lesson. Go away and prove what you can do before finding yourself embarrassed with big assignments.