Wayne Rooney sacked by Birmingham City after just 15 matches, Championship club hunt for new manager

Wayne Rooney has been sacked as Birmingham City manager, less than three months after taking the job at St Andrew's.

The former England captain has overseen an unwelcome slump down the Championship table, with the club dropping from sixth to 20th during his tenure after winning just two of 15 games.

His last match was a 3-0 humbling at Leeds United on New Year's Day which left the club six points above the relegation zone.

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

"Personally, it will take 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 some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager."

Rooney replaced John Eustace in October after stints at Derby County and MLS side DC United.

"We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St Andrew’s," Birmingham CEO Garry Cook told the club's website.

"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."

Birmingham travel to Hull City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

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