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      Wayne Rooney told he is ‘not a world beater’ as Birmingham prepare to hire ex-Man Utd star as new manager

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      FORMER Premier League striker Chris Sutton is not convinced that Wayne Rooney will be the best managerial appointment for Birmingham City.The Blues sacked head coach John Eustace on Monday morning, despite being sixth in the Championship table.
      Wayne Rooney is being linked with the Birmingham jobCredit: AP
      Chris Sutton has claimed that Rooney is not a ‘world beater’Credit: Getty
      Rooney is now tipped to take over at St Andrews, but ex-Chelsea star Sutton is not sure that he will be the best person for the job.
      Speaking on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, Sutton said: “Why would you get rid of someone who’s successful?
      “It’s not like – with respect to Wayne Rooney, great playing career – they’re bringing in a world beater of a manager.
      “He’s still a rookie in managerial terms, isn’t he?
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      “On the face of it, it does seem like madness to sack John Eustace when the club are doing well.
      “And essentially, what does it do? It puts a hell of a lot more pressure on the owners making that decision.”
      Birmingham co-owner and NFL icon Tom Brady has been in constant contact with Rooney in recent weeks over the managerial position.
      Brady believes the Man Utd legend will be able to attract big players to St Andrew’s and eventually lead the club back to the Premier League.
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      Rooney mutually agreed to leave DC United on Saturday after failing to take the club to the MLS playoffs.
      Addressing his departure, the former striker said: “It’s the right time. I’ve done everything I can to get this club into the playoffs. It’s not a single thing that’s happened. It’s about timing.
      “What lies ahead, I don’t know. I’ve seen a lot of reports in the media. I’m going back with nothing lined up.” More

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      I played for 18 football clubs in eight different countries – this is the story of how a FAN once bought me for £250k

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      COLIN KAZIM-RICHARDS has had an astonishing journeyman career, though he holds a unique accolade among his peers. Kazım-Richards, 37, has played for 18 different clubs in eight countries throughout his almost two-decade career.
      Colin Kazim-Richards starred for Brighton at the start of his careerCredit: PA
      Kazim-Richards has played for 18 different clubsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      In 2005 he was the player brought in a competition run by Coca-ColaCredit: PA:Press Association
      But his first senior transfer saw the London-born Turkish international involved in one of the strangest transfer deals in memory.
      In 2005, Kazım-Richards was playing his football with Bury after joining the club from Arsenal’s academy a few years prior.
      A transfer battle ensued between Brighton and Wigan over his signature, with the Latics set to trump the Seagulls due to the price they were willing to pay.
      However, at the same time, Coca-Cola – worth a staggering £190billion today – were running a competition for fans to win some money as part of a new sponsorship they had with the EFL.
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      Any supporter buying a can of Coke, which now showed the colours of every EFL club rather than the typical red and white scheme, could enter a draw with the chance to win £250,000 for their lucky club.
      Speaking on the Filthy Fellas podcast, Kazim-Richards explained how his future that summer changed due to a lucky pull from Brighton fan Aaron Berry, who entered the competition nearly 80 times.
      He said: “So how it worked is… when you brought a can of Coke there was a [phone] number to call to see if you win money for your club.
      “Brighton fan won the money – Brighton already wanted me, I was already talking [to them]. I was supposed to go to Wigan.
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      “Brighton couldn’t match the transfer fee Bury wanted. Then they won this money so they did that (brought me).
      “It was a better story to say a fan brought me.”
      From then 18-year-old Kazim-Richards was forever dubbed: “The Coca-Cola kid.”
      Kazim-Richards left the Seagulls for Neil Warnock’s Sheffield United just one season later after they were relegated to the third tier, having scored six goals in 44 appearances that season.
      He struggled to adjust to the Premier League at Bramall Lane before Fenerbache came calling for his services.
      Despite his merry-go-round clubs, Kazim-Richards represented Turkey on 37 occasions including the 2008 Euros when they made it to the semi-finals.
      After a long stint overseas which reached as far as Brazil and Mexico, Kazim-Richards returned to English football with Derby in 2020 before heading back to Turkey two years later.
      He is currently without a club.
      Kazim-Richards most recent stint in England came with Derby in 2020Credit: PA
      He has played in eight different countriesCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Wayne Rooney set to lock horns with Man Utd legend and old team-mate in first game if he gets Birmingham manager’s job

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      WAYNE ROONEY is set for an immediate clash with Manchester United legend and former team-mate Michael Carrick if he takes over at Birmingham.The former Red Devils ace is expected to be appointed Brum’s new boss in the coming days after John Eustace was sacked.
      Wayne Rooney is set to become Birmingham City’s new managerCredit: AP
      Rooney’s first clash if he is made Blues’ head coach will be against former team-mate Michael CarrickCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Carrick has been the manager of Middlesbrough since 2022Credit: Alamy
      SunSport reported last month that former England captain Rooney has been in constant touch with Birmingham’s part-owner, and NFL legend, Tom Brady.
      And it now seems St Andrews chiefs have moved quickly to get their man after Rooney left MLS side DC United at the weekend.
      The 37-year-old’s first fixture if he returns to English football will be against Middlesbrough after the international break.
      It means he will face old Red Devils pal Carrick, who is the manager of Middlesbrough, at the Riverside on October 21.
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      The pair had huge success during their time at Old Trafford, with Rooney scoring 253 goals in 559 appearances during his 13 years at the club.
      Carrick played alongside Rooney for over a decade and made over 464 appearances for the Red Devils from 2006-2018.
      The pair spent the majority of their career at United under Sir Alex Ferguson and won major titles including five Premier Leagues, a Champions League and four Community Shields.
      Rooney then left United in 2017 for a short but sweet one-year spell at boyhood club Everton before tackling the MLS with DC United.
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      He enjoyed 15 months at the American giants before ending his career back on home soil at Derby County in 2021.
      The ex-forward then kickstarted his managerial career at Derby and then returned to DC in 2022.
      However, Rooney called it a day after DC failed to qualify for the play-offs for a second straight season.
      Meanwhile, Carrick remained at United after retirement and was briefly made caretaker manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left his role in 2021.
      But swiftly after Ralf Rangnick was made interim manager the England ace headed to the Championship to manage Middlesbrough, where he has been since 2022. More

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      Wayne Rooney set to return to English football as high-flying Championship club SACK boss to swoop for Man Utd legend

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      WAYNE ROONEY is edging closer to a return to England football after Birmingham sacked boss John Eustace.Pressure has been mounting on Eustace since the Blues’ American takeover.
      Wayne Rooney is expected to be appointed new Birmingham managerCredit: Reuters
      Birmingham have sacked manager John EustaceCredit: Getty
      SunSport reported last month that former England captain Rooney has been in constant touch with part-owner, and NFL legend, Tom Brady.
      And it now seems St Andrews chiefs have moved quickly to get their man after Rooney left MLS side DC United at the weekend.

      That’s despite Eustace recording an impressive 3-1 win over local rivals West Brom on Friday night, which saw Birmingham move up to sixth in the Championship.
      The Blues released a statement announcing Eustace’s departure, thanking the 43-year-old for his efforts.
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      The statement read: “It is essential that the Board of Directors and the football management are fully aligned on the importance of implementing a winning mentality and a culture of ambition across the entire Football Club.
      “With this in mind, Birmingham City has today parted company with Head Coach, John Eustace.
      “Eustace departs after 15 months in charge, having helped to stabilise and strengthen the Club on the pitch following his appointment in July 2022.
      “In his first season at the helm, he guided the team to a 17th-place finish, securing Sky Bet Championship status with three games remaining.
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      “During his time at St. Andrew’s, he galvanised the squad to deliver a number of memorable moments in testing circumstances.
      “The Club would like to thank John for his contribution. His dedication and work ethic was evident throughout his time in B9 and he will always be welcomed back to St. Andrew’s.
      “A new First Team Manager will be announced in the coming days who will be responsible for creating an identity and clear ‘no fear’ playing style that all Birmingham City teams will adopt and embrace.
      “The Club will be issuing no further comment at this time.”
      It is expected Rooney will be appointed boss in the coming days, with Birmingham not playing again until after the international break.
      The Manchester United legend’s son Kai even dropped a huge hint at his dad’s destination, by following a host of first-team and academy stars on social media.
      And Wazza is already said to be planning to bring in a couple of pals to work alongside him in the midlands.
      Chelsea and England legend Ashley Cole will join as a coach, with Rooney’s old United team-mate John O’Shea also set for a role.
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      Rooney, 37, left DC United — who he played for in his first spell in the US — after they missed out on the MLS Cup play-offs.
      If he is handed the Blues job during the international break his first game could come against old Red Devils pal Michael Carrick, who is manager of Middlesbrough. More

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      Wayne Rooney lined up for Birmingham job with Ashley Cole and ex-Man Utd team-mate expected to join coaching team

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      WAYNE ROONEY is ready for a quick return to English football after leaving DC United.And the England and Manchester United icon is in the frame for the Birmingham City job.
      Wayne Rooney could be set to manage Birmingham after leaving DC UnitedCredit: Reuters
      Birmingham boss John Eustace is keen on the vacant Rangers hotseat and Blues’ new US owners are eyeing Rooney as a replacement.
      Eustace, who turned down Swansea in the summer, has taken Brum to sixth place in the Championship.
      Rooney has a good relationship with Blues CEO Garry Cook, who previously worked at Manchester City.
      Rooney left DC United — who he played for in his first spell in the US   — after they missed out on the MLS Cup play-offs.
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      The 37-year-old took the MLS job in July 2022 after previously managing Derby County.
      Rooney yesterday said: “It’s the right time. I’ve done everything I can to get this club into the play-offs. It’s not a single thing that’s happened. It’s about timing.”
      DC United CEO and co-chairman Jason Levien said: “We have spoken with Wayne and agreed it is best for us to part ways at this time.
      “We are grateful to Wayne Rooney for all he has done for our club.”
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      It’s reckoned Ashley Cole could link up with his former England teammateCredit: PA
      Former Man Utd pal John O’Shea is also being tipped to work with WazzaCredit: Getty
      Meanwhile, BBC Five Live claims Rooney is already on the verge of nabbing two former teammates to join his backroom team.
      First up is ex-Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole.
      The 42-year-old moved into coaching with Derby following his retirement in 2019.
      He then worked with Chelsea’s youth stars before taking up the role of England U21s coach.
      And in 2022 Cole was named first-team coach at Everton under Frank Lampard.
      He returned to England’s U21s after leaving the Toffees in January, and helped the Young Lions go all the way to Euros glory.
      The second ace reportedly joining Rooney is ex-Man United pal John O’Shea.
      He’s worked as a first-team coach at Reading and Stoke since retiring in 2019.
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      O’Shea, 42, also had a spell assistant of the Republic of Ireland’s U21s.
      And he is currently No2 of his national side’s senior team. More

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      Crisis-hit Sheffield Wednesday set to name former Bayern Munich coach, 34, as new manager after positive talks

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY owner Dejphon Chansiri is set to make German coach Danny Rohl his new boss at the second time of asking.Rohl, 34, was interviewed for the post in the summer but was overlooked as the Owls plumped for Xisco Munoz.
      Danny Rohl is lined up to become Sheffield United’s new managerCredit: Getty
      Rohl previously worked in England with HasenhuttlCredit: Getty
      The former Southampton assistant and Bayern Munich coach is now back in talks with the Championship club after Munoz was axed on Wednesday.
      Chansiri was impressed by Rohl when they first spoke and the German is keen to strike out on his own having worked under Ralf Hasenhuttl.
      Rohl was first employed as a coach by RB Leipzig after he graduated from the University of Leipzig with a degree in sports science.
      He progressed through the club’s youth ranks and worked under a number of different managers, including former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick.
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      After a spell at Southampton alongside Hasenhuttl, he returned to Germany in 2019 to become Hansi Flick’s assistant coach at Bayern Munich.
      Rohl then followed Flick to work with him for the Germany national team.
      But he, along with Flick and his fellow assistant Marcus Song, was sacked last month following a 4-1 defeat to Japan.
      Rohl could now be set for a new start at Sheffield Wednesday.
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      The Owls sacked Munoz earlier this week, just 10 games into the season.
      Sheffield Wednesday currently sit rock bottom of the Championship table with just three points.
      They are yet to get a win on the board this season. More

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      Hilarious moment furious West Brom fan tries to pick fight after Birmingham score – and there’s nothing he can do

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      THIS is the funny moment a fuming West Brom fan wanted to pick a fight with a rival – but couldn’t because he was behind glass.Birmingham City got one over their Midlands neighbours by beating the Baggies on Friday night.
      This is the hilarious moment a Birmingham fan tries to start a fight but can’tCredit: Instagram @footballawaysdays

      And one supporter wasn’t best pleased when he was goaded by Blues fans.
      The moment came when the home side equalised from the spot.
      A Birmingham fan appears to be filming the moment from a private box at St Andrew’s.
      But when the supporter recording the video celebrates the resulting penalty hitting the back of the net, the West Brom fan spins round in fury.
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      He then points aggressively through the window, seemingly offering his rival out for a fight.
      However, hilariously there is absolutely nothing he can do about it – with the supporter protected by glass.
      The amusing clip was uploaded to the Instagram account of Football Away Days.
      It was captioned: “This West Brom fan not happy after the Birmingham penalty last night.”
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      The penalty decision itself was a controversial call.
      Referee James Linnington awarded the hosts a penalty for a challenge from Cedric Kipre on Koji Miyoshi.
      On first viewing, it looks as though Miyoshi simply slips when running into the box and Kipre wins the ball cleanly.
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      However a reverse angle muddies the waters slightly which shows Kipre making contact with Miyoshi BEFORE he slips.
      Birmingham ran out 3-1 winners after Juninho Bacuna converted the penalty to equalise following West Brom’s John Swift opener.
      Dion Sanderson put Birmingham in front in the 38th minute before Gary Gardner put the game to bed in the 87th minute. More

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      Southampton clash delayed over medical issue in the stands after ‘fan falls down steps’

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      SOUTHAMPTON’S Championship clash with Rotherham had a lengthy delay due to a medical issue.That’s after a fan fell down steps inside St Mary’s stadium, requiring CPR at the scene.
      Southampton vs Rotherham was delayed after a fan reportedly fell down steps at St Mary’sCredit: PA
      Saints stormed into an early lead when Stuart Armstrong found the back of the net after just two minutes.
      Russell Martin’s side dominated the play as they pushed for a second.
      But the game was put on hold before half-time after a fan suffered a medical issue in the stands, just days after Leyton Orient vs Lincoln was abandoned after a supporter was taken ill.
      Rotherham goalkeeper Viktor Johansson flagged the issue to officials after some initial confusion.
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      A supporter had fallen down the steps, requiring urgent medical treatment.
      The fan collapsed in front of stunned onlookers.
      And they were given CPR by medics at the scene before being stretchered away.
      Rotherham tweeted: “Our thoughts and well wishes are with the supporter involved.”
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      Sky Sports reporter Katie Shanahan said on Soccer Saturday: “Really concerning scenes, a medical emergency in the far corner of the stadium just two minutes before the break.
      “Viktor Johannson the (Rotherham) keeper was trying to alert the referee to what had happened.
      “He carried on the game, but within a minute had to pause to go over to both managers as the corner was about to be taken.
      “All the fans were alerted to the far corner of the stadium to see what was going, from where I was going I could see chest compressions and I’ve been told they did perform a second round of CPR on the fan.
      “The fan was then stretchered down the stairway to a round of applause from all the supporters. The game was delayed for 10 minutes, but really, really concerning scenes at St. Mary’s.” More