By Paul Jones
Steve Cooper is reported to be high on Birmingham City’s wanted list to replace Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City.
Welsh manager Cooper was dismissed by Nottingham Forest last month after failing to prevent their slide towards the Premier League relegation zone.
But Cooper – who took Forest up from The Championship and twice guided Swansea City into the play-offs – is very likely to reject a move back into the Championship with a struggling club who don’t appear to offer much stability.
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Instead, the 44-year-old is more likely to sit things out until the end of the season when he is a favourite to take over from Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace.
Others reported to be on the Birmingham shopping list are former Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, Reims head coach coach Will Still – who claimed last month he had been approached by Swansea City to replace Michael Duff – ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch and Paul Heckingbottom, who was recently dismissed by Sheffield United.
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Former Manchester United and England icon Rooney was axed shortly after his side crashed 3-0 to Leeds United on New Year’s Day.
A club statement confirmed: “Birmingham City has today parted company with Manager, Wayne Rooney, and First Team Coach, Carl Robinson.
“Despite their best efforts, results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset. Therefore, the Board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club.
“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.”
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Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, commented: “Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.
“The search for a successor begins with immediate effect.”
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