Wayne Rooney, the former English footballer, has been removed from his position as manager at second-tier club Birmingham City after only 15 games in charge. His tenure saw the team secure only two wins, resulting in a decline from sixth to 20th place in the Championship.

Rooney’s dismissal follows the club’s acquisition last summer by a company owned by American businessman Tom Wagner, who also brought NFL legend Tom Brady on board as a minority owner. The 38-year-old Rooney, after one season with D.C. United, had taken over as manager at Birmingham after managing second-tier club Derby.

The club cited the team’s failure to meet expectations as the reason for Rooney and first-team coach Carl Robinson’s departure. Despite Rooney’s efforts, the club’s results fell short of anticipated standards, prompting the board to make a change in management.

Rooney expressed thanks to Wagner, Brady, and club CEO Garry Cook for the opportunity but noted that he was not given enough time to make the necessary changes. Acknowledging that football is results-driven, Rooney stated that his 13-week tenure was insufficient to bring about the improvements he had hoped for.

Birmingham City thanked Rooney for his contributions and wished him the best in his future endeavors as a manager. The club, which last played in the Premier League in 2011 and won the English League Cup in the same year, faces uncertainty as it seeks a new manager.

The news of Rooney’s departure has sparked discussions within the football community, with some questioning the decision and others noting the team’s performance under his leadership. As the search for a new manager begins, Birmingham City’s supporters hope for a turnaround as the club strives to regain its standing in the Championship.