Pre-season’s always like that, isn’t it? Fun and games. Best wishes. Everybody tanned, relaxed and optimistic.
But beneath the smiles and banter, the former England captain knows this is a big deal.
Last year’s stint at Birmingham was a sort of managerial Hindenburg, a fiery catastrophe played out in the full glare of a disbelieving public.
In just 15 games, Rooney achieved the extraordinary feat of turning a well-drilled side challenging for the top six into one so dysfunctional that relegation was unavoidable.
Knighthead, Birmingham’s American owners, must take their share of the blame for this car crash.
Rooney was appointed because the new regime craved a sprinkling of stardust, and saw the 38-year-old’s 16 million Instagram followers as a shortcut to global recognition.
A patchy coaching CV consisting of 17 months at crisis-torn Derby and 14 with DC United in the MLS barely entered the equation.
In John Eustace, the club also sacked a popular manager who had just won back-to-back games, a decision CEO Garry Cook justified by claiming he wanted ‘no fear’ football.
Denne historien er fra August 11, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra August 11, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
SEASIDERS' EVANS LEADS BY EXAMPLE
BLACKPOOL assistant coach Steve Agnew was delighted with his team’s performance as they confidently saw off the threat of Burton Albion at Bloomfield Road.
CHRIS' GUTSY BLUE BATTLE BACK TO NAB THE TOP SPOT
CHRIS Davies conceded his Birmingham City side were not up to their usual quality despite beating Peterborough United in a thrilling encounter.
WELLENS SLAMS ORIENT SUBS
LEYTON Orient boss Richie Wellens bizarrely criticised his substitutes’ efforts after his side were held at home by leaders Wrexham.
HARRIS HAILS HIS DOMINANT LIONS
North End outfought at The Den
ROONEY'S JOY AFTER ARGYLE HIT HATTERS...
WAYNE Rooney could not contain his delight after his Plymouth side breezed past Luton on Friday night.
RAMS LEFT FUMING OVER SAINZ STRIKES
NORWICH manager Johannes Hoff Thorup supported calls for the introduction of VAR in the Championship – even though he benefited from two major refereeing errors in his team’s win at Derby.
CARRICK'S CHUFFED WITH STARLET DOAK
MICHAEL Carrick thinks exciting winger Ben Doak has shown how determined he is to develop at Middlesbrough after helping to secure victory over Stoke City at the Riverside.
'Mature' Leeds are class above Cov
DANIEL Farke praised the “maturity” of his Leeds United side after they thumped early-season strugglers Coventry City with a dominant display at Elland Road.
SKIPPER TRAVIS IS TOPS FOR EUSTACE...
DELIGHTED Blackburn boss John Eustace lauded ‘inspirational’ captain Lewis Travis after his goal set them on their way to victory over 10man QPR.
BLADES BLUNTED BY PEPPY POMPEY
CHRIS Wilder heaped praise onto winless Portsmouth after they held his Sheffield United side to a goalless draw at Fratton Park.