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      BBC Sport forced to take down bizarre Wayne Rooney Birmingham sacking tweet after Gary Lineker demanded ‘delete this’

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      GARY LINEKER forced BBC Sport into an embarrassing U-turn as they deleted a bizarre Wayne Rooney post.The former England captain was sacked as Birmingham City boss this morning after a dire run of form since he replaced John Eustace in October.
      Wayne Rooney was dismissed by Birmingham after winning just two of his 15 games in chargeCredit: Getty
      Gary Lineker was not happy with the post from his employersCredit: Splash
      Rooney oversaw just two wins in 15 games as the Blues plummeted from sixth to 20th in the Championship.
      And after news of his dismissal broke this morning, BBC Sport posted a strange tweet.
      The official account tweeted: “By order of the Peaky Blinders, Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Birmingham City.”
      The post was accompanied by a mocked-up photo of Rooney in a flat cap and suit – in full Tommy Shelby style.
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      But the Match of the Day host was not happy with the way his employers announced the news.
      Lineker replied: “Delete this.”

      And his bosses promptly listened as the tweet was soon axed as it disappeared from their timeline.
      But before covering their tracks, plenty of fans spotted the Beeb’s tweet.
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      One said: “If you missed that now deleted BBC Sport Peaky Blinders/Wayne Rooney tweet then you’re having a better New Year’s than us.”
      Another quipped: “Quick lads, how can we link Peaky blinders to the Rooney sacking? How about…”
      And a third commented: “Let’s say it was even possible that the order was given by the Peaky Blinders to sack Wayne Rooney, why have you then depicted Mr Rooney as a Peaky Blinder lol.”
      News of Rooney’s sacking was confirmed at 11am when Birmingham released a statement.
      However, moments later the ex-Manchester United striker shared his own response.
      And in it, he appeared to take a dig at Tom Brady and the St Andrew’s owners by implying he deserved more time in the job to turn things around.
      BBC Sport announced Wayne Rooney’s sacking with a strange Peaky Blinders post

      Rooney said: “I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.
      “Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be.
      “However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
      “Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16.
      “Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.”
      Steve Cooper is the early favourite to replace Rooney in the Birmingham dugout following his Nottingham Forest axe.
      The Welshman is 6-4 with Sky Bet with Tony Mowbray (3-1), Gary Rowett (4-1), Jesse Marsch and Eustace (both 6-1) both in the running.
      Read more on The Sun
      For Rooney, meanwhile, he is set to take a break away from football before resuming his management career.
      The ex-DC United and Derby boss, though, could have various options when he makes his return – with the EFL, Inter Miami and Saudi Arabia among the possible next steps. More

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      Five jobs Wayne Rooney could go for next including Salford to become Class of 92’s manager after Birmingham sacking

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      WAYNE ROONEY is now looking for a new job after being sacked by Birmingham City.The England and Manchester United legend has endured an absolute nightmare since he took charge of the Blues when they were sitting in the play-off spots in October.
      Wayne Rooney is looking for a new job after being sacked by Birmingham CityCredit: Alamy
      The 38-year-old endured a nightmare spell at St Andrew’s and won just twiceCredit: Getty
      The 38-year-old won just two of his 15 matches in charge after replacing John Eustace.
      That poor run saw Birmingham plummet from sixth to 20th in the Championship.
      Yesterday’s 3-0 defeat to Leeds proved to be the final straw for Brum’s American owners, including NFL icon Tom Brady, as they confirmed Rooney’s departure this morning.
      And now the former Derby County and DC United boss has found himself unemployed with his reputation as a manager taking another huge hit after the ill-fated stint at St Andrew’s.
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      After guiding Derby to safety in his first season in charge, he still won plaudits the following year when they were relegated from the Championship amid turmoil off the pitch.
      Rooney resigned after they dropped to League One and went on to join MLS side DC United, who he played for towards the end of his iconic career.
      But he struggled to make much of an impact in America as he racked up just 13 wins and 26 defeats from his 52 games at the helm.
      And even though he is undoubtedly still a huge name in the game, his record in the dug-out suggests that he would be a massive gamble for any potential employers.
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      However, there may still be a few options on the table for Wazza, and here are five possible jobs for him that could help the ex-striker transform his reputation:
      SALFORD CITY
      The League Two club are owned by his former Manchester United team-mates Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary and brother Phil Neville.
      Salford enjoyed four promotions in five years after the Class of ‘92 bought them with money man and majority shareholder Peter Lim in 2014.
      However, their dream of reaching the Premier League is in danger of imploding as they remain stuck in the fourth tier and they responded to their recent woes by sacking Neil Wood following the 5-1 defeat by Tranmere on Boxing Day.
      A number of names have already been mentioned as potential successors, but Rooney could land himself a new job fast if he decides to go for it and try and work for his pals.
      INTER MIAMI
      Beckham also owns MLS side Inter Miami and has enjoyed great success since the arrival of Lionel Messi in attack.
      Golden Balls previously employed close mate Phil Neville as manager, but he sacked him in June and replaced him with Gerardo Martino.
      They have been on a great run since, but should Becks opt to perform an old England friends act, then Rooney may have an opportunity to go back to the MLS.
      SAUDI ARABIA
      A huge array of big-name players and managers have moved to the mega-rich Saudi Pro League over the past 12 months.
      And the opportunity to employ another legendary figure in Rooney may prove to be an attractive option for one of their clubs as they look to continue establishing the league.
      ENGLAND
      A bit of a long-shot, but with Gareth Southgate expected to depart after this summer’s Euros, the England job could soon become available.
      With no obvious candidates out there to come in, Rooney could attempt to convince FA chiefs to take a punt on him.
      He already has plenty of experience on the international stage and assured his place in the history books by surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton’s Three Lions scoring record while captaining our country – a figure since surpassed by Harry Kane.
      And for anyone doubting him, Wazza could point out that Southgate’s only experience at club level before he got the gig was at Middlesbrough, where he suffered relegation from the Premier League.  
      MANCHESTER UNITED
      Perhaps an even bigger long-shot than the England one.
      But he knows the club inside and out after an epic 13-year playing career at Old Trafford that resulted in him winning the lot under Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Read more on The Sun
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe has finally completed his deal to purchase 25 per cent of United, and with pressure continuing to mount on Erik ten Hag, the new chiefs could opt for a change in the dug-out.
      And it is not as if bad managerial records at other clubs has put United off in the past given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recent spell in charge. More

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      Wayne Rooney takes parting swipe at Tom Brady and Co as he releases statement after Birmingham sacking

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      WAYNE ROONEY has hit out at Birmingham City after being sacked just 13 weeks into the job.Wazza was shown the door today after winning just two of his 15 matches at the helm.
      Wayne Rooney has hit out at Birmingham City after being sackedCredit: Reuters
      NFL legend Tom Brady was among the chiefs who decided to pull the triggerCredit: Getty
      The 3-0 defeat to Leeds on New Year’s Day proved to be the final straw as fans turned on Rooney.
      But the former England captain has now taken aim at Brum chiefs Tom Wagner, Gary Cook and NFL legend Tom Brady.
      He believes they have been too hasty in pulling the trigger, with Rooney only taking charge from John Eustace in October.
      And the Manchester United hero, who previously managed Derby County and DC United, admits he will now take a well-deserved rest with wife Colleen and their children.
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      A statement from Rooney read: “I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.
      “Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be.

      “However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
      “Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16.
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      “Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.
      “Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”
      The Blues were 5th in the Championship table when Rooney took the reigns following Eustace’s controversial sacking.
      They now sit 20th after a dismal run that included nine defeats in 15 outings.
      Brum chief Cook said: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s.
      “Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.
      “The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news.”
      Birmingham will now be looking to appoint a new manager ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hull in the FA Cup, with development coach Steve Spooner in charge as interim.
      Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is thought to be high on their list.
      But he is also wanted by Crystal Palace, who could be set to axe Roy Hodgson this month.
      As for Rooney, he is sure to have plenty of options on the table once he decides to return from his break.
      Read more on The Sun
      The likes of Salford City and Inter Miami could jump at the chance to land him.
      And Wazza could even have his eyes on bigger prizes, such as the England and United jobs. More

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      Wayne Rooney SACKED by Birmingham after disastrous time in charge as Tom Brady gamble massively backfires

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      WAYNE ROONEY has been sacked by Birmingham following a disastrous stint at St Andrew’s.The Manchester United legend departs having won just two of his 15 games in charge.
      Wayne Rooney has been sacked as Birmingham bossCredit: Getty
      Birmingham lost 3-0 at Leeds on New Year’s Day in what turned out to be Rooney’s final match at the helm.
      The 38-year-old was appointed in October after the controversial sacking of John Eustace.
      He inherited a side sitting sixth in the Championship table under his predecessor.
      But Rooney leaves St Andrew’s with Blues having slumped all the way down to 20th.
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      His tenure turned toxic at Elland Road when a number of travelling Birmingham fans chanted “Wayne Rooney, get out of our club”.
      After the game, Rooney, who won two, drew four and lost nine of his 15 games in charge, vowed to keep fighting to get things right.
      But Blues’ board – which includes NFL legend Tom Brady – have decided to pull the trigger.
      A club statement read: “Birmingham City has today parted company with Manager, Wayne Rooney, and First Team Coach, Carl Robinson.
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      “Despite their best efforts, results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset. Therefore, the Board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club.
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      Rooney issued this statement following his dismissalCredit: Instagram / Wayne Rooney
      Wayne Rooney’s record as a manager
      “The Club’s Board and management are fully aligned and will continue to drive transformation and take bold steps to rebuild Birmingham City into the organisation its fans and community deserve.
      “The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.”
      Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, added: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s.

      “Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.
      “The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news.”
      Professional Development Coach Steve Spooner will take charge of the team while the club search for a permanent replacement.
      In response, Rooney said: “I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.
      “Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be.
      Blues sacked John Eustace in October with Birmingham fifth in the ChampionshipCredit: PA
      “However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
      “Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback.
      “I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16.
      “Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.
      “Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”
      Birmingham made their first controversial decision at the helm when they sacked Eustace for Rooney.
      And in feeling the need to axe the former England captain so quickly, this will surely go down as an embarrassing episode for the ownership group.
      SunSport revealed last week that Blues chiefs have had their eyes on former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.
      Read more on The Sun
      The 44-year-old is out of work having been sacked by Forest last month.
      Birmingham face a tricky task convincing him to join, however, with Cooper interested in a possible vacancy at Crystal Palace.
      Steve Cooper is admired by Birmingham chiefsCredit: Reuters More

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      Wayne Rooney has worse record than flop managers Neville and Scholes as furious Birmingham fans revolt

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      WAYNE ROONEY has had a dismal start to life at Birmingham and is under increasing pressure following a 3-0 defeat to Leeds.The Manchester United legend joined Blues in October after they sacked John Eustace despite being in a play-off place.
      Wayne Rooney has won just two out of 15 games in charge of BirminghamCredit: Getty
      His struggles at Birmingham have seen his win rate nosedive
      Since Rooney took charge Birmingham have plummeted down the table and are now 20th – just six points above the relegation zone.
      Defeat to Leeds means Wazza has won just two of his 15 games in charge, and lost nine.
      That means he has a win rate of just 13.3 per cent – which takes his overall win percentage as a manager to 26.1 per cent after also struggling at DC United and Derby, taking the already-struggling Rams down in 2022.
      That is worse than his former United team-mates Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, who failed miserably at management.
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      They managed 35.7 and 30.8 per cent respectively during their short careers, with Neville at Valencia and Scholes at Salford.
      Rooney’s win percentage is even dwarfed by Frank Lampard, who is without a club following a dismal second spell at Chelsea.
      His win rate at Stamford Bridge was a shocking 9.1 per cent – leaving him with an overall win percentage of 41.3 per cent.
      While Steven Gerrard, whom Rooney also played with for England, boasts a higher win rate despite his struggles at Al-Ettifaq.
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      Birmingham have been the worst team in the Championship since Rooney took charge
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      Gerrard’s Saudi Arabian outfit have not won in two months but the former Liverpool star has a healthy win percentage in his career thanks to his work at Rangers.
      Stevie G won the Scottish Premiership in 2021 and went the entire league season unbeaten, although he did not fare too well at Aston Villa as he was sacked after a year in charge. More

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      Furious Birmingham fans tell Wayne Rooney ‘get out of our club’ as disastrous manager’s stint turns toxic

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      WAYNE ROONEY’S stint as Birmingham boss turned toxic this afternoon as fans chanted “get out of our club” to their under-fire manager.The Manchester United legend was appointed Blues manager in October after the shock decision to sack John Eustace.
      Wayne Rooney has struggled as Birmingham bossCredit: PA
      “Wayne Rooney, get out of our club”Birmingham fans making their opinions known…Surely the board have the admit their mistake and part ways for the sake of the club.#BCFC #KRO https://t.co/tSiPtOOujG— Between the Lines (@Between_TL) January 1, 2024

      Birmingham had occupied the play-off places at the time, but have since sunk all the way down to 20th following a string of disastrous results.
      Rooney, 38, has won just two of his 15 games in charge, drawing four and losing nine.
      This afternoon his side travelled to high-flying Leeds, and predictably went on to lose 3-0.
      During Blues’ latest defeat, Rooney received stick from a sizeable portion of the Elland Road away end.
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      In videos circulating online, fans can be heard chanting: “Get out of our club, get out of our club, Wayne Rooney, get out of our club.”
      Goals by Patrick Bamford and Daniel James made it 2-0 before half-time.
      Crysencio Summerville then completed the rout on 67 minutes.
      Blues chiefs had already begun identifying potential Rooney replacements before the game.
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      SunSport revealed last week that club bosses are plotting an audacious swoop for Steve Cooper.
      A source said at the time: “The clock is ticking for Wayne Rooney at Birmingham.
      “If results carry on as they are then a change may have to happen to ensure the club moves back in the right direction.
      “The whole atmosphere around the club isn’t right at the moment. Wayne’s comments after the Stoke match left many of the fans dismayed and indicated he may have lost the players. 
      “Wayne was a controversial choice in the first place and many fans wouldn’t be crying if he left.”
      After today’s latest setback, Rooney vowed to keep fighting as Blues boss.
      He said: “I’ve obviously spoken to the owners. That is private between me and the owners. What’s clear is we need some players in.
      “We need players to come in to help with the quality of the team but also some fresh faces in the building as well.
      “We are going through a difficult period, there’s no denying that, and we need to do everything we can to come out of that.
      “I believe in myself. We have a very young squad and it’s difficult for the players at the minute. We have to keep believing we will get through this.
      “This was always going to be a very difficult game for us. For 30 minutes, I thought we more than competed and created some good opportunities.
      “The second half wasn’t good enough, but we have to keep going through the process to improve the team.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Birmingham are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Hull in the FA Cup.
      Their next league outing will see them host Swansea on January 13.
      Rooney, 38, has vowed to keep fighting as Blues bossCredit: Rex More

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      Tributes to Ipswich Town fan who collapsed and died in stands during Championship clash against QPR

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      EMOTIONAL tributes poured in after a “lifelong” Ipswich Town supporter collapsed and died during a Championship game.The match against QPR on Friday was stopped after a medical emergency with the crowd gathered in the Sir Alf Ramsey stand.
      Ipswich vs QPR was stopped after a fan suffered a medical emergency in the standsCredit: Getty
      Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton tonight confirmed the tragic death of the fan and named her as 81-year-old Anne Austin.
      He told fans in a statement: “Dear Supporters.
      “The Club and I are deeply saddened to report the passing of Anne Austin.
      “Anne, a lifelong Town supporter and long-time season ticket holder, was treated in the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand after falling ill during the Club’s fixture with Queens Park Rangers on Friday (29 December) evening and sadly passed away at Portman Road at the age of 81.

      “We have been in communication with Anne’s family to offer support.
      “The players and coaching staff will wear black armbands for the away fixture with Stoke City on New Year’s Day as a mark of respect, with the deepest condolences of all at the Club offered to Anne’s family and friends at this sad time.
      “I am sure you can appreciate this is a difficult time for Anne’s family and we all send them our love and support.”
      After Anne suddenly collapsed a blue blanket had been used to cover the area, as Portman Road’s PA system announced the second half was delayed.
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      She was treated by several ambulance personnel, some of whom were holding up a plastic sheet to prevent spectators from witnessing the tragedy.
      Emotional tributes have since poured in following the news of Anne’s passing.
      “How sad though she died at a place she loved … thoughts for Anne’s family. May she rest in peace,” penned one.
      Another wrote: “I hope you rest in peace Anne, and your family can find some comfort in knowing they have the love and support of some 30,000 people around them.”
      “RIP Anne – our love, thoughts and prayers are with your friends, family and all fellow #ITFC supporters,” wrote someone else.
      “My thoughts are with the family and friends of Anne. Very sad to hear this news,” echoed another.
      “So sorry to hear this. Thinking of the family. I know that Ipswich Town Football Club and its supporters will wrap their arms around the family as they have us,” wrote one of hundred offering their condolences. More

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      Incredible moment SPFL sub keeper comes on as striker and SCORES 30-yard screamer as fans say ‘he’s better than Dessers’

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      SCOTTISH football, don’t ever change. Just when you thought you had seen it all in the SPFL, up steps Arbroath goalkeeper Ali Adams.
      Arbroath sub goalkeeper Ali Adams bags the screamer
      He lets fly from distance
      Cyriel Dessers endured an uncomfortable afternoon against CelticCredit: Willie Vass
      Playing from 2-0 down against Championship leaders Raith Rovers, with Red Lichties boss Jim McIntyre already having used all three of his named outfield substitutes, he had little choice but to turn to the sub goalkeeper when centre half Aaron Steele went off injured.
      And it proved a masterstroke – because within minutes of coming on, he had lashed in a right-foot screamer from all of 30 yards to give them a lifeline.
      And with Leighton McIntosh following it up with a penalty against a shell-shocked Rovers soon afterwards to earn a point, it is a goal which could have massive ramifications in the title race.
      Dundee Utd made short work of Partick Thistle in the televised match last night.

      Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing, with a few comparing his efforts favourably to what they had just witnessed from hapless Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers.
      One wrote: “This is a goalie… no subs left so they brought on a goalie and he does this!!!! He’s better than Dessers.”
      A second said: “Arbroath keeper can do this and dessers trips over the ball.”
      A third wrote: “Championship keeper is a better striker than Dessers.”
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      A fourth simply: “Get him signed, Rangers”
      “A fifth said: And if Rangers can’t get Shankland, maybe they should go for Arbroath’s sub keeper who’s just come on against Raith as a striker…”
      One fan, sharing the clip of him celebrating, couldn’t help seeing the funny side, saying: “Milking it a bit, isn’t he?”
      The 31 year-old, who has also played with the likes of Musselburgh Athletic, Linlithgow Rose, Tranent JFC, Musselburgh Athletic, Berwick Rangers, Bonnyrigg Rose, Gretna, Bo’ness United and East Fife, had put that Howitzer of a right-foot to good use in the past.
      The former Junior Scottish Cup winner has a 55 yard fee kick goial on his resume from his time at Tranent Juniors.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More