Birmingham City have confirmed they have parted ways with manager John Eustace, ahead of Wayne Rooney’s expected appointment at the club.
Mail Sport revealed on Sunday night that Rooney is the clear front runner to become Birmingham manager after doubts grew over Eustace’s spell as head coach.
The former England captain has left his role as manager of Major League Soccer club DC United and retains strong connections in the English game.
In a statement on the club website, Birmingham wrote: ‘With this in mind, Birmingham City has today parted company with Head Coach, John Eustace.
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‘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.
‘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.
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‘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’.
Eustace’s sacking comes with the Blues sitting sixth in the Championship table after 11 games.
The 43-year-old took charge in summer 2022 and led the club to comfortable survival against a backdrop of financial uncertainty.