Predecessor John Eustace clearly did not fulfil the brief and was ruthlessly jettisoned despite guiding the Blues to sixth place. No pressure there, then.
"I love the challenge," Rooney insisted at Thursday's unveiling. "I love the pressure of it. That is something I have dealt with since I was a young kid, coming through from 16 years of age." Indeed it is, yet those who observed Rooney during his two spells at DC United - first as a player and then as head coach - will tell you he also relished the opportunity to eat, drink and be merry away from the spotlight's glare.
What the MLS also provided was time. Upon his arrival in Washington in July last year, Rooney was handed an 18-month contract.
With the club at a historically low ebb, there was never any prospect of the deal being terminated, giving the former Manchester United and England man time to craft a squad and impose a style he could truly call his own.
Speaking on Thursday about what Blues fans could expect from his side, Rooney referenced the club's 'no fear' imperative.
"In terms of how I want my team to play, I want them to be brave," he said. "These are messages I have given to my players at Derby County and DC United.
"I want them to take risks. I want them to play forwards. We have got really good attacking players in this squad, so we have to use them. We have to get them the ball, we have to get crosses into the box and back it up.
"It's a mindset, a mentality of when you get the ball, what are you going to do with it? "Are you going to pass it on to your team-mate and let him make a decision or are you going to take a decision yourself? That's a message I really try to get into my players.
"Ultimately, I want this team to mirror me as a player. It's hard work, it's dedication, it's taking risks, being creative, but also a style of play which is exciting and entertaining for the fans.
This story is from the October 15, 2023 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 15, 2023 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
END OF CUP ROAD FOR EFL BATTLERS
EFL interest in this season’s Carabao Cup came to an end in midweek, but it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying.
GOALS GALORE IN THE TROPHY
THE goals flew in from all angles as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy revved into action again in midweek.
KEEPER GAFFE SINKS TOWN
HUDDERSFIELD boss Michael Duff questioned his players’ mentality after goalkeeper Chris Maxwell’s bloomer handed NonLeague Tamworth a shock win.
ACE SLEW & WILLIAMS SEE OFF REBELS...
DECISIVE goals at either end of the game from Jordan Slew and Rhys Williams helped League Two Morecambe avoid a potential banana skin against National League South outfit Worthing.
MATT'S MEN JUST HAVE ENOUGH GAS
HONEST Bristol Rovers boss Matt Taylor has acknowledged his side were pushed all the way in their tie against Weston-super-Mare.
'WHITES' ARRAY OF FIREPOWER WILL GIVE THEM THE EDGE OVER RIVALS'
GARY Rowett says Leeds’ glittering arsenal of attacking stars will bring the Championship title to Elland Road.
POMPEY'S GAME OF TWO HALVES
Murphy's in to deny the Tigers
SET-PLAY PREP PAYING OFF FOR PELACH
NARCIS Pelach admitted Stoke have been working tirelessly on set-pieces since his arrival – and he was pleased the hard work paid dividends with the winner against Derby.
Robins lays marker to his Sky Blues
MARK Robins has challenged his Coventry City players to go on a Championship charge after the Sky Blues ended their wait for success on their travels with resounding victory against ten-man Boro.
JUST FAB FOUR BAYO IS UNSTOPPABLE
FOUR second-half goals in an incredible display from Vakoun Bayo powered Watford to a resounding victory at Hillsborough.
