Wayne Rooney's short-lived tenure as Birmingham City manager has left the club grappling with poor results and discontent. The decision to replace successful interim manager John Eustace with Rooney, a move orchestrated by the American ownership group Shelby Companies Limited, has proven counterproductive. Despite initially making a positive impact, Shelby's choice to appoint Rooney reveals a lack of understanding of the nuances of English football, particularly the demanding Championship.
Shelby Companies Limited, led by hedge fund manager Tom Wagner and including prominent figure Tom Brady, completed the takeover of Birmingham City last July. While their initial actions, such as effective recruitment, garnered positive attention, the abrupt switch from Eustace to Rooney underscored their unfamiliarity with the intricacies of Championship football. The Championship demands a unique managerial personality, and Rooney's confrontational style and public criticism of players reportedly did not resonate well within the team.
The decision to appoint Rooney, relying on his legendary status, failed to win over the fans, who were skeptical from the beginning. The assumption that Rooney's fame would automatically earn support demonstrated a misunderstanding of English soccer fandom. The fans' lack of trust in Rooney's managerial abilities was exacerbated by his success with rival clubs.
American ownership in English soccer is not inherently flawed, as demonstrated by successful examples like Liverpool under Fenway Sports Group. However, Shelby Companies Limited's handling of Birmingham City perpetuates negative stereotypes associated with American owners in English football. Their pursuit of a high-profile manager and subsequent quick reversal aligns with common pitfalls seen in new owners navigating the intricacies of the sport.
To regain the faith of the Birmingham City supporters, Shelby must acknowledge their misstep in appointing Rooney and consider reinstating Eustace. Admitting the error could help rebuild trust and set the club back on a positive trajectory. While fresh ownership often grapples with "new owner syndrome," Shelby's missteps, including the gimmicky Peaky Blinders reference in their name, have amplified their learning curve within the English football pyramid. With the potential for success, Birmingham City needs thoughtful leadership and investment to fulfill their aspirations in English football.