Wayne Rooney, previously England’s captain, is now at the helm of Birmingham City as their manager.
Rooney, aged 37, has committed to a contract with the EFL Championship club that will keep him there until June 2027.
John Eustace, who oversaw 21 victories in 63 games during his 15-month term, was relieved of his duties on Monday, and he has been brought in as the replacement.
The role at Birmingham City is Rooney’s third in management.
Rooney’s managerial career began at Derby County, where he served for 19 months from November 2020, and he later took the helm at MLS club D.C. United in July 2022.
Rooney’s duties in Washington were terminated on Saturday, with D.C. United failing to make the MLS playoffs for a second consecutive season.
He will kick off his stint as Birmingham’s manager with an away fixture against Middlesbrough on October 21.
Joining Rooney’s coaching staff will be his former colleagues, ex-England left-back Ashley Cole and former Manchester United defender John O’Shea.
Read also: Wayne Rooney Tenders Resignation As Derby manager
Rooney’s backroom staff will also include Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, who gained experience working with him in the United States.
‘Wayne is a born winner,’ said Birmingham co-owner and chairman Tom Wagner in a club statement.
‘We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey.’
‘His playing philosophy will help to realize the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City.’
‘Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United.’
‘He and his staff have the full support of the board and everyone at the football club.’
Rooney said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City Football Club at such an exciting time.’
‘It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realizing 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.’