Karen Carney suggests that Wayne Rooney, just like any other manager, requires time to succeed, but people often lack patience.

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As we journey through life, we encounter a lengthy and winding path filled with both happiness and sadness. This opening line from the Birmingham chant resonates with me as a supporter of the club. On Tuesday, Wayne Rooney was let go from his position as manager after just 15 games. He had led the team from sixth place to 20th. While his firing may seem reasonable in a results-driven industry, it serves as a reminder that choosing the right person for the job is crucial. However, it does not necessarily justify the hasty decision to dismiss him.

Birmingham’s American owners have achieved success in certain aspects since assuming control in the summer. They have made significant progress behind the scenes, but the decision to replace John Eustace, who had led the club to a playoff position, was puzzling. It appears that the owners desired a specific style of play and saw Wayne Rooney as the ideal candidate. Of course, Rooney’s high profile would also benefit the club’s commercial endeavors by attracting investments and sponsorships.

Rooney’s stint at St Andrew’s will be remembered for only two victories out of fifteen matches. However, if the owners believed in his ability to bring “no-fear football”, as stated by chief executive Garry Cook, then he should have been given the chance to succeed. A complete change in playing style requires the proper players and a transfer window would have given Rooney the opportunity to acquire them.

Rooney joined in October, which was not the most opportune time for a desired revolution. Bournemouth also made a change by letting go of Gary O’Neil, who did great work in keeping the club in the Premier League, but they thoroughly researched and specifically wanted Andoni Iraola. He was able to have a pre-season with the team and was given the players he had requested.

The season did not begin on a positive note for Bournemouth, as they were unable to secure a victory in their first nine league matches and lost six of them. Despite this, owner Bill Foley publicly expressed his support for manager Iraola, regardless of the team’s performance, and it has proven to be a wise decision. It can be difficult for an owner or CEO to make this type of commitment when the club’s main goal is to stay in the Premier League and benefit financially. Bournemouth made the bold choice to prioritize developing their playing style over achieving immediate results.

Rooney quickly faced a challenging series of games as he worked to deliver the desired style of football. Often, a manager is brought on board when a team is struggling and requires a new drive. It can be difficult to lead a team that has already achieved success and elevate them to even greater heights when the previous system was effective. This proved to be a tough task for Rooney.

Being an owner in the Championship is not an easy task. The league is highly competitive, with a large number of matches and complex financial considerations. Finding a manager who can serve as a focal point for the club and also possess the necessary style and commercial appeal is a challenging feat. Additionally, this person must also connect with the fans, who are the core of any club and their values. When an owner makes a bold decision, it is important to have patience with the manager.

The most crucial aspect in life is consistency. As I reflect on my career, I have observed that the most accomplished managers are the ones who have had ample time. I have worked with Vic Akers at Arsenal and Emma Hayes at Chelsea, both of whom had lengthy tenures at their clubs. In the men’s game, Sir Alex Ferguson, Jürgen Klopp, and Pep Guardiola all required a significant amount of time to implement their strategies. While they did have financial resources at their disposal, they still faced similar pressures.

As a manager, it is crucial to determine if a role is suitable and not simply accept the first chance that arises. After Eddie Howe departed from Bournemouth, he took a break for a year to recharge, hone his skills, and review his notes and training videos in order to improve. When a person steps away from football, there may be a temptation to quickly jump back in, but it is important to have the ability to decline an offer if it is not the right fit. It is essential to have confidence that another opportunity will come along.

The owners of Birmingham City face a significant decision that will greatly impact their time in charge. The fans will support whoever replaces Rooney, as is expected. There will be many challenges, but the owners must make the right choice and learn from past experiences. The manager should be the driving force of the team, possessing strength and aligning with the values of the organization.

I am hopeful that this is just a temporary setback and a reminder of the challenges faced in this industry. As a fan, I share the desire for the club to do well and the owners have displayed potential. Throughout my life, Birmingham supporters have experienced a lot, from the exhilaration of winning the League Cup to the disappointment of relegation in the same season, as well as the tumultuous reign of Gianfranco Zola and a points deduction. It’s safe to say that there is never a dull moment at St Andrew’s.

Continue on the road until the very end.

Source: theguardian.com