Tom Brady and Wayne Rooney are facing the anger of Birmingham City fans after the NFL legend made a surprise visit to watch the Blues play in the Championship. Fans were not happy with the decision to hire Rooney as head coach in October; since his appointment Birmingham have only managed one win and have been slipping down the rankings.
On his 46th birthday in August, Brady revealed that he had bought a small share in Birmingham City and would be sitting on the advisory board of the ownership group. The team started the season well under former coach John Eustace, with Brady even attending their first home game of the 2023/24 season, which they won 1-0 against Leeds.
However, the club decided to sack Eustace and bring in Rooney after he left Major League Soccer’s DC United. Since Rooney took over on October 11, the team has only one win from seven games, leading some fans to blame Brady and the high-profile change of coaches.
On Saturday, Birmingham City shared a video of Brady meeting Rooney after touring the club’s facilities before the match with Rotherham. The seven-time Super Bowl champion, who arrived at the stadium wearing a club hoodie, also watched practice on Friday. He shared an Instagram post saying: “Beautiful day at St. Andrew’s.”
After a goalless draw with Rotherham, fans expressed their frustration with Rooney. Some fans didn’t want Rooney in charge from the start, especially as Eustace was doing well. One user, @lxstlosty, tweeted: “This Tom Brady and Wayne Rooney Birmingham ting is hella stinky.”
Another fan, @Nev_77_, added: “So Tom Brady sat in freezing weather on a Saturday afternoon to watch Birmingham draw 0-0 with Rotherham. What a club.”
Some fans are unhappy with Rooney and hope he will be dismissed soon. User @DavidJo20773066 said: “Another weekend ruined @TomBrady!! I expect it’s ruined yours too! I’d have more confidence having you managing the team!”
Another frustrated fan, @_jpe494, stated: “That absolutely has to be the end of Rooney. This run is worse than anything I can ever remember! Honestly preferred Zola ball to this shower, at least you could see what he was trying to do.”
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When Brady revealed his investment in Birmingham City, he confessed that he had a lot to learn about football. In a video message, the 46-year-old shared: “Well, let’s just say, I’ve got a lot to learn. But I do know a few things about winning, and I think they might translate pretty well.
“I know success starts with the work put in when the world isn’t watching. I know that a team is nothing without the city that shows up and stands behind it. And most importantly, I know I like being the underdog.”
Brady hung up his NFL boots in February, ending his legendary 23-year career after a tough season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rooney will be hoping for his second victory in eight matches when his Birmingham, currently 15th in the Championship, face Coventry on Friday, Dec. 8.
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