Ex-Sunderland man Phil Bardsley gives verdict as Rooney takes charge at Birmingham City

Originally posted on FanNation Sunderland Nation
By Luke Phelps | Last updated 10/12/23

Sunderland's Championship rivals Birmingham City have just undergone a change in manager.

Birmingham City have replaced John Eustace with Wayne Rooney.

The move surprises many given that Eustace was doing a fine job at Birmingham City, with the club currently in 6th, and with Rooney have very little experience in management.

His spells with Derby County and D.C. United weren't all that impressive, but his former Manchester United teammate, and former Sunderland man Phil Bardsley thinks Rooney has an opportunity to prove some people wrong here.

He's quoted by StokeonTrent Live as saying:

"It’s great. He’s got a young family and he’s been away for a couple of years now and probably felt it was the right time to come back. It’s the perfect opportunity for him to go in at Birmingham.

“To be fair John Eustace has done a pretty decent job and Wayne will have to hit the ground running but he’ll probably understand that. He’s got great potential in management and I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”

Birmingham to rival Sunderland?

As it stands, Birmingham City are a top six rival to Sunderland. But continuing the good work done by Eustace will be very difficult for Rooney.

Like Bardsley says though, he remains a young manager with a lot to prove and Birmingham City is definitely a club where he can prove his worth.

He's shown glimpses of a good coach with Derby in particular. But Birmingham have a different set of expectations and so achieving those expectations will be difficult.

Sunderland will certainly have to keep an eye on Blues as the season goes on, with the two fighting it out for a spot in the top six.