The luxury life Birmingham City’s Wayne Rooney, Coleen and his family can expect in Brum

Wayne Rooney is on his way to Birmingham following confirmation that he is taking over the Blues on a three-and-a-half year deal.

The former England captain will be joined by his former international team-mate Ashley Cole as well as John O’Shea, who spent seven years with Rooney at Manchester United. Maik Taylor will remain at the club as Goalkeeper Coach.

Rooney replaces local hero John Eustace, from Solihull, who was controversially sacked by Blues on Monday (October 9) despite winning his final two games to leave Birmingham sixth in the Championship heading into the international break.

Rooney, aged 37, will see a big change in his lifestyle in Birmingham after returning to England from US club DC United, based in Washington. He had been under consideration by Birmingham ever since American group Knighthead and NFL superstar Tom Brady took control over the summer. Rooney has been living in America since leaving Derby County in 2021.

Wife Colleen didn’t make the move over to the US, staying at home in Cheshire with the couple’s four sons instead, although she did post a picture of a visit to Washington in March.

Colleen recently travelled from Cheshire to London to speak with The Times about the infamous Wagatha Christie trial in which she faced a libel charge after she publicly accused Rebekah Vardy of leaking stories from her private Instagram account to the media. The world famous court battle is the subject of a documentary coming to Disney+ called Colleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story which is airing on October 18.

There weren’t any updates about a move to Brum in her social media this afternoon (Wednesday, October 11). But there’s certainly a wonderful luxurious lifestyle awaiting her, should she decide to make the move. So what can Wayne and Coleen expect from life in Birmingham with Wayne heading up the only football club with our city’s proud name.

Home life in leafy Barnt Green, Solihull or Sutton Coldfield

When it comes to where to live as a family, there are many luxurious homes up for sale in the region which might tempt mum-of-four Coleen who could be tasked with finding a dream location while Wayne becomes acquainted with St Andrews.

Like many wags before her, Coleen will probably look to upmarket Solihull or leafy Four Oaks in Sutton Coldfield. Little Aston is popular with footballers too - although they usually wear claret and blue. Some of the neighbourhoods around the outskirts of Birmingham also have stunning properties - such as a stunning £2,750,000 home currently for sale near Barnt Green, where Jack Grealish previously lived.

The beautiful house is currently one of the most expensive homes currently on sale in the area. The period property was built in 1882 and was used as a vicarage. It has been meticulously renovated and comes with a separate two-bedroom detached cottage, all gracefully situated amidst sprawling south-facing gardens and bordering open fields.

Shopping at designer stores

Coleen is renowned for her stylish outfits and even fronted a fashion campaign for Asda and has written fashion columns for magazines.

Here in Birmingham she has a choice of high end fashion stores, independents and budgets. Flannels in Burlington Arcade is a huge draw for those tempted by designer brands from Gucci and Balenciaga to Balmain and Jimmy Choo.

Colleen may also enjoy a personal shopping experience with the experts at Selfridges’ flagship store in the Bullring or Harvey Nichols where a private suite awaits where vips are treated to champagne and canapés while their shopping is chosen for them.

Eating Out

Birmingham’s fast-paced and ever-evolving dining scene will offer up lots of options for Coleen and her family whether it be a family lunch or a discreet dinner with Wayne. And, of course, we’ve got five Michelin starred restaurants - the highest number in the UK outside London.

Dinner will no doubt see the couple enjoying an intimate table at Orelle the wonderful sky high restaurant and bar popular with the city’s high-fliers and offering them the chance to get mouthwatering modern French cuisine.

They may also enjoy the Italian-style tapas at Fumo where Jude Bellingham visited recently, or enjoy a Birmingham favourite, a curry at Ashas popular with Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and Ed Sheeran whenever they are in town.

Down time

Wayne has made no secret of his love of golf, so a move to Birmingham will bring the world famous resort The Belfry on his doorstep. In addition to the course where many a golfing hero has played, the resort also has a Spa, wonderful restaurants and a hotel to enjoy.

So while Wayne can enjoy playing 18 holes on the Ryder Cup-hosting Brabazon Course, Coleen can chill in the Fire and Ice Spa where a day’s relaxation involves taking advantage of the bio-thermal rooms and pools before a relaxing massage and facial.

Nightlife

If Coleen wants to paint the town Blue with the wives of her husband’s new team, where better than the newly opened XOYO nightclub in Digbeth,  following its success in London. The Birmingham venue is more than just a club - it’s a movement embracing the spirit and aspirations of the people of the city. It several spaces to party - and an amazing roof garden with breathtaking views over the city.  It’s a fabulous spot for a day party too, where you can watch the sun go down.

If a family night is called for the couple and their children Kai, 13, Klay, 10, Kit, seven, and Cass, five might enjoy bowling at Lane7 in the Bullring or The Cube or a  a jungle-themed mini-golf game at Tree Top Adventure Golf in the Bullring. There’s also our world-famous Cadbury World in Bournville - an absolute dream for chocolate lovers with so many events to keep families entertained.

Visiting the Blues

Life in the US may have been a very different pace for Wayne but there is certainly much to keep the family occupied here in the Second City not least the excitement of match days at St Andrew’s - the favoured stadium of our Peaky Blinders and where Colleen and her family will no doubt enjoy cheering on Wayne and the boys from the luxury of her very own box.

The Kop Executive Box includes freshly prepared two course meals and cocktail cakes for up to £1,500 per patch (plus VAT). However, the couple may prefer to follow in the footsteps of Tom Brady and enjoy a pint at The Roost!