Steve Cooper has assumed the position of the frontrunner according to bookmakers, to take over from Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City with the new next manager odds out
The decision to dismiss Rooney came from Blues owners Knighthead following the team’s 3-0 loss to Leeds United, marking the culmination of a challenging period for the former England and Manchester United striker.
Birmingham City new next manager odds and candidates favorites list in 2023-2024
Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai Rooney, has been slagging off the Birmingham players in insta dms 😬😂😂pic.twitter.com/QXeazpRS0s
— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) January 2, 2024
In his 15 matches as John Eustace’s successor since October, Rooney managed only 10 points out of a possible 45.
Garry Cook, Blues’ chief executive, stated, “We are committed to taking the necessary steps to bring success to St. Andrew’s. Unfortunately, Wayne’s tenure with us did not unfold as planned, and we have opted to move in a different direction.”
“The search for a successor is underway, and updates will be provided to supporters as soon as we have more information.”
Rooney, in his own statement, expressed gratitude to Tom Wagner, Tom Brady, and Garry Cook for the opportunity and support during his brief stint managing Birmingham City FC.
He acknowledged the results did not meet expectations but pointed out that the 13 weeks he had were insufficient to implement the required changes. Rooney intends to spend time with his family as he prepares for the next managerial opportunity.
The betting market currently places former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper as the leading candidate at 6/4 odds, with Steve Spooner taking temporary charge.
Despite his recent dismissal by Forest, Cooper’s standing in the football community remains high. Other early favorites include Tony Mowbray (3/1), Gary Rowett (4/1), and Jesse Marsch (6/1).
Surprisingly, John Eustace, the predecessor to Rooney, is listed at 6/1 for a potential return to St. Andrew’s. Eustace was let go by Knighthead to make way for Rooney.
Candidates of Birmingham’s New Manager
The odds for the next Birmingham City manager, according to SkyBet:
– Steve Cooper: evens
– Tony Mowbray: 3/1
– Gary Rowett: 5/1
– Jesse Marsch: 6/1
– John Eustace: 6/1
– Lee Carsley: 9/1
– Anthony Barry: 10/1
– Scott Parker: 10/1
– Frank Lampard: 12/1
– Graham Potter: 14/1
– Paul Heckingbottom: 14/1
– Will Still: 14/1