Newly-appointed Birmingham manager, Wayne Rooney has said his target is to return the championship side to the Premiership.
The former Manchester United star said he believes Birmingham belongs to the Premiership and he wants to make that happen.
Rooney, who was appointed on a three-and-half-year contract last Wednesday, said he was both “intrigued” and “excited” to be part of Birmingham’s rejuvenation.
Speaking with BBC Radio WM, Rooney said “I want to build Birmingham back up – really get it back to where it belongs. It’s a huge club. It hasn’t been where I think it should have been over the last 10 years and now this is a challenge and an opportunity to get it back there.”
Birmingham presently sit sixth on the Championship log going into the international break, with Rooney’s first game in charge away at Middlesbrough – managed by his former Manchester United team-mate Michael Carrick – on October 21.
Noting that developing young players is something he had always tried to do as a coach, the former Everton and Manchester United striker, who loves to play attractive football, says it will be no different at St Andrew’s.
According to Rooney, “I want us to be a possession-based team, to get the ball forward and excite the fans. Ultimately we have to win and that’s the most important thing.
Football changes all the time and it’s important you study the game and the changes, and have your own way and identity to get the best out of the players.”
Asked how he was going to cope with the pressure, he said “I’ve no problem with the pressure and I have to make sure the players are ready for that. We have expectations and targets to hit.
“Winning is always the key but the plan is getting back playing at the top level. That’s the target for us and I’m here to make that happen.”
Rooney’s appointment is the first made by Blues’ new American owners, Shelby Companies Limited (SCL), who took over in July.
His appointment as Birmingham manager marks a return to English football for Rooney, who heads into his third job in management after stints with Derby County and, most recently, American side DC United – who he left earlier this month.
Ten managers have come and gone since 2011 when the club was relegated.
