Wayne Rooney's managerial legacy has left him with a nagging sense of 'what ifs', as he candidly admits to regret over his stint in charge at Birmingham City. The 40-year-old former England skipper, who traded the pitch for the dugout with Derby County in 2021, couldn't help but reflect on the timing of his appointment at St Andrew's.
That rollercoaster ride began when Rooney took the reins permanently at Pride Park, just as Derby was battling to stay afloat amidst crippling financial woes. It ultimately ended with relegation to League One, prompting his exit in June 2022 – but not before he'd had a taste of life in the States with DC United.
Rooney's second bite at English football management came with a high-profile return to Birmingham City, where the club's American owners had pinned their hopes on him turning things around. But it was short-lived, as he lasted just 83 days before being given the chop after nine defeats in 15 matches.
The statistics were stark: from sixth to 20th in the Championship table under his stewardship – a dismal decline that sparked widespread criticism of the club's decision-making at the time. It was hardly the fairy tale return Rooney had envisioned, and he admits as much: "I think you always have regrets, and [I] reflect on what I've done." For him, the Birmingham City job is where it hurts most – specifically, the timing of his appointment.
When quizzed about a potential future in management, Rooney's response was unequivocal. "Probably not," he said, though quick to add that he'd never rule out a coaching role entirely: "At the moment – where I am now, where my head space is – I wouldn't." It's a far cry from his earlier hint at taking on a position under Michael Carrick at Manchester United – but with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Rooney will be keeping busy as part of the BBC's punditry team.
Source: BBC Sport