A forthcoming documentary lifts the lid on the tumultuous tenure of Wayne Rooney as Birmingham City manager, revealing pointed criticism from high-profile part-owner Tom Brady. This exclusive insight exposes the inner turmoil and concerns among the club’s leadership during Rooney’s brief and ill-fated spell.
Rooney’s time at St Andrew’s was marked by a dramatic downturn in the club’s fortunes. Despite taking over with Birmingham in a respectable fifth position in the Championship table, the team rapidly descended towards the relegation zone under his guidance, sparking widespread alarm among fans and the club hierarchy alike.
The new documentary, titled ‘Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues,’ is set to premiere on Amazon Prime, offering unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the 2023-24 campaign. It not only chronicles the club’s eventual relegation but also the subsequent triumphant promotion back to the second tier under new management.
Key revelations from the documentary include candid remarks from legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady, a significant figure in Birmingham City’s ownership group. Following a visit to the training ground during Rooney’s management, Brady can be heard expressing apprehension about the head coach’s “work ethic” to business manager Ben Rawitz.
Rawitz’s response further compounded the sentiment, suggesting that Rooney “comes across as lackadaisical.” This frank exchange provides a stark glimpse into the growing discontent behind the scenes regarding the former England star’s approach to leadership and player motivation.
Brady directly confronted Rooney with his concerns, drawing parallels between football and American football in his impassioned plea for greater intensity. He emphasized the importance of treating every practice like a “Super Bowl,” urging Rooney to “put pressure on them, make them run for everything,” highlighting a perceived lack of drive within the squad.
The immediate aftermath of Rooney’s dismissal saw Birmingham City, which had plummeted to 20th by January, eventually relegated on the final day despite accumulating 50 points. This stark decline underscores the depth of the challenges faced during his short reign and the desperate need for a change in direction.
Following Rooney’s departure, Chris Davies assumed the managerial role in the summer of 2024, ushering in a period of rejuvenation. With significant backing in the transfer market, including successful striker acquisitions like Jay Stansfield and Alfie May, Davies orchestrated an immediate and emphatic return to the Championship, turning the club’s fortunes around.
The club’s continued strategic investment in the transfer market has been evident, with academy product Demarai Gray making a significant return to St Andrews. Additionally, the acquisition of former Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi from Rennes signals further ambition and a commitment to building a competitive squad for the future.
Leave a Reply