Birmingham City manager latest: ex-Aston Villa & Liverpool striker shares verdict on Wayne Rooney following St Andrews developments

Former Aston Villa and Birmingham City striker Emile Heskey has given his backing for Wayne Rooney to take the Blues job.

John Eustace has been relieved of his duties at St Andrew's, and now there's an ever-growing expectation that the England and Manchester United legend will take charge.

Rooney left his job with MLS outfit DC United last week, after they failed to reach the end-of-season play-offs, thus freeing up the need for Birmingham to pay any compensation for him.

He had been in the job since July 2022, and was there as a player before a turbulent time in charge as head coach of Derby County.

An appointment is expected soon, and despite the controversy behind his appointment, he at least has one backer.

"I think Wayne Rooney has done really well in management," said Heskey to BoyleSports.

"I'd support him being the manager of Birmingham due to his profile and status in the game. He'll, of course, need to deliver results, but having a figure like him at the club would bring a lot of attention.

“I think Wayne has done great and he's always done well with the resources he's been given. He went through a lot at Derby, but I think he did well and he dealt the pressure well.”

Rooney’s stature in world football is the driving reason behind his imminent appointment at Birmingham, with CEO Gary Cook said to be the driving force behind it.

Heskey played 78 times for Birmingham across two seasons and got 16 goals, before being sold to Wigan Athletic, and then joining inter-city rivals Aston Villa.

The 45-year-old’s experience with both of the Second City clubs, has seen him excited by the arrival of NFL legend Tom Brady, and has likened it to the impact that Ryan Reynolds has had since taking over Wrexham.

“I’m definitely excited by Tom Brady’s investment in Birmingham,” Heskey added.

“We’re talking about the second-biggest city in England and a huge club in itself. The club has been through a lot of turmoil recently, but the light at the end of the tunnel could be here.

“They’ll want to push the club forward and you’re starting to see the previously-condemned stand being built. I’d say this ownership consortium is exactly what the club needs.

Heskey added: “I’d say I am a fan of Wrexham’s growth, and I’d want the same for Birmingham. Celebrity ownership brings revenue, notoriety, and razzmatazz - and I’d say aspects of football are already heading down this route.

“I’m not saying it’ll be Americanised, but modern clubs are much more holistic in what they offer and they can almost be seen as entertainment businesses.

“Football used to be only about Saturdays, but it’s a 24/7 business now. Fans want to feel connected to the club, and they’ll almost want to see more of the club they support.