As with all managers, Wayne Rooney required time, but patience is often in short supply. -Karen Carney

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As we journey through life, we encounter a lengthy and winding path filled with both happiness and sadness. This is echoed in the words of the Birmingham chant. As a supporter of the team, I can certainly understand this sentiment. On Tuesday, Wayne Rooney was fired from his position as manager after just 15 games, during which the club dropped from sixth to 20th place. While it is understandable that results are important in this industry, it serves as a reminder that selecting the right person for the job is crucial. However, this does not necessarily mean that swiftly letting him go was the best decision.

The US owners of Birmingham have had success in certain areas since their takeover in the summer, making significant progress behind the scenes. However, their decision to replace John Eustace, who had led the club to a spot in the playoffs, was puzzling. It appears that the owners had a specific playing style in mind and believed Rooney was the right fit. Additionally, Rooney’s high profile would likely benefit the club’s financial ventures by drawing investment and sponsorships.

Rooney’s time at St Andrew’s will be marked by two victories out of 15 matches. Despite the chief executive, Garry Cook, believing he could bring a bold and fearless approach to the team, the owners have chosen to end his tenure. However, if they truly believed in his vision, they should have given him time to succeed. Changing the team’s style by 180 degrees requires giving the manager the necessary players, and a transfer window would have presented that chance for Rooney.

Rooney joined in October, which wasn’t the best time for a revolution. Bournemouth also made a change by letting go of Gary O’Neil, who had done great work in keeping the club in the Premier League. However, they did their research and specifically wanted Andoni Iraola. He was given a pre-season with the team and was able to bring in the players he wanted.

The season did not begin positively for Bournemouth, as they were unable to secure a victory in their first nine matches and suffered six losses. 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 owners or executives to make such a statement when the club’s main focus is staying in the Premier League and the financial benefits that come with it. Bournemouth made the bold decision to prioritize developing their playing style over achieving immediate results.

Rooney faced a challenging set of matches as he worked to achieve the desired level of football. Often, a manager is brought in when a team is performing poorly and requires a new spark. It can be difficult to lead a successful team to even greater success when the previous approach was effective, making it a tough task for Rooney.

Being an owner in the Championship is no easy task. It’s a highly competitive league with a demanding schedule and complex financial considerations. Finding the right manager to serve as a focal point for the club is crucial, as they are the most important employee. It’s a challenging balance to strike between finding someone who can appeal to the fans and also bring commercial value. When an owner makes a bold decision, it’s important to have patience and trust in the manager.

Consistency is crucial in life, especially when it comes to success. I have observed that the most accomplished managers, such as Vic Akers at Arsenal and Emma Hayes at Chelsea, had longevity in their roles. In the men’s game, renowned managers like Sir Alex Ferguson, Jürgen Klopp, and Pep Guardiola also needed time to establish their strategies. While they may have had financial resources, the same pressures were still present.

The manager’s perspective is that it is crucial to determine if a role is suitable and not simply accept the first chance that comes along. Following Eddie Howe’s departure from Bournemouth, he took a break for a year to re-energize himself, review fundamental concepts, and review training videos in order to enhance his skills. When someone leaves the world of football, there may be a temptation to immediately return, but it is important to have the ability to decline offers that are not suitable. One must have faith that another opportunity will arise.

The owners of Birmingham face a crucial decision in their time in charge. The fans will support whoever takes over for Rooney, as that is the expected behavior. There will be significant highs and lows, but it is imperative for the owners to make the correct decision and take lessons from past experiences. The manager should serve as the team’s core, embodying the values of the organization. They must be resilient and in sync with the principles of the organization.

I am optimistic that this is just a minor setback and a reminder of the challenges of running a business. As a fan, I share the desire for the club to succeed and the owners have demonstrated potential. Throughout my time as a supporter, Birmingham has experienced many ups and downs, such as winning the League Cup and getting relegated in the same season, as well as the reign of Gianfranco Zola and a points deduction. It is safe to say there is never a dull moment at St Andrew’s.

Continue straight until the road ends.

Source: theguardian.com