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Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney is already at risk of being sacked after less than three months in the job.
The Sun has reported that the Manchester United legend is skating on thin ice after “a series of dismal results”.
Furthermore, the Blues have apparently already found his replacement in the experienced Steve Cooper, who was recently sacked at Nottingham Forest.
The Peoples Person reported last month that Rooney was struggling to get a tune out of his Birmingham team and sadly things haven’t been going better for him recently.
The former England international’s appointment was controversial as Birmingham were sixth in the table, but now find themselves in 19th position, facing a relegation battle.
Sources have told The Sun that “the clock is ticking for Wayne Rooney in Birmingham. “If results continue as they have been, a change may need to be made to ensure the club gets back in the right direction.”
Rooney upset a section of Birmingham fans after a recent defeat to Stoke City when he stated that he wished he had been able to replace the 11 players who had started the game.
According to the source, “the atmosphere in the club is not right at the moment. “Wayne’s comments after the game against Stoke left many fans dismayed and indicated that he could have lost the players.”
As some former Manchester United managers can attest, once the players decide you’re not the right person for the job, the road back is incredibly narrow, if it’s visible at all.
It is also claimed that many Blues fans would not cry if the former United player left as he was a controversial choice to begin with.
This is in stark contrast to when Birmingham City chief executive Garry Cook described the appointment of the United great as “a defining moment for the football club”. We all know how quickly time passes in football.
Steve Cooper is also seen as a “bold” but attractive choice due to his Premier League experience. However, such a move may be difficult to complete as many believe he will wait for another job in England’s top league.
The article ends, “in Steve Cooper they believe they would have the person to deliver it, while also providing a brand of football that fans will love.”
As always, time will tell. What is very clear is that, if Rooney wants to continue in the job, he needs to get some wins on the board and fast.