In a candid revelation set to shake the football world, American sports icon Tom Brady has unleashed a scathing critique against former Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney and the team’s players, accusing them of a lack of effort and accountability. These pointed remarks emerge from a new docuseries on Amazon Prime, offering an unprecedented look into the inner workings and recent struggles of the revered English football club.
The docuseries, which chronicles Birmingham City’s tumultuous journey over the past two years, dives deep into the heartbreaks and challenges that culminated in their unfortunate relegation to League One during the 2023-24 season. Brady, a minority owner of the club, offers a unique perspective on the events, shedding light on the decisions and performances that shaped the club’s fate.
A significant focus of Brady’s criticism targets Wayne Rooney, whose highly anticipated appointment in October 2023 followed swiftly on the heels of Knighthead Capital Management LLC and Tom Wagner’s acquisition of the club. Rooney, a legend in English football, signed a promising three-and-a-half-year contract, yet his tenure proved shockingly brief, lasting a mere 83 days.
During Rooney’s short stint at the helm, Birmingham City experienced a dramatic decline in fortunes. The club plummeted from a respectable sixth position in the Championship to a perilous 20th place, managing a dismal record of just two wins in the three months he was in charge. This stark downturn highlighted significant issues within the squad and its on-field performance.
Brady’s unfiltered comments underscore his belief that responsibility for the team’s performance lies squarely with the athletes themselves. “Well we’ve already changed the coach, so it’s really the players because the coach doesn’t go out there and put the ball in the goal,” Brady declared, emphasizing his view that managerial changes alone cannot rectify fundamental issues if players fail to perform.
Even following Rooney’s departure and the subsequent coaching adjustments, Birmingham City found itself unable to reverse its downward spiral. The team’s struggles persisted, ultimately leading to their inevitable relegation from the Championship, a bitter pill for both the club and its dedicated fanbase.
Despite the recent setbacks, Brady remains focused on the long-term vision for Birmingham City. Securing the League One championship represents merely the initial step in their ambitious roadmap. The club now eyes a return to the Championship, with the ultimate goal of earning a coveted spot in the Premier League for the 2026–27 season, provided they demonstrate sustained excellence.
Brady’s outspoken nature in the docuseries not only provides a raw, behind-the-scenes look at football club ownership but also highlights the immense pressure and high stakes involved in managing a professional sports team. His direct comments offer a rare glimpse into the mindset of an owner committed to elevating his team’s performance and future prospects, despite past disappointments.
