Birmingham and Tom Brady have suffered relegation to League One as the decision to hire Wayne Rooney has magnificently backfired.
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Birmingham lose to NorwichFinished 22nd out of 24 teamsRelegated to League OneWHAT HAPPENED?
The American dream of a Premier League return became a relegation nightmare on Saturday despite the Blues beating Norwich City in their final game at St Andrew's. They desperately needed a victory and a few favourable results from fellow relegation fighters to stay up. Although they did their part, Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers all emerged triumphant in their respective fixtures to ensure survival.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
However, few would have imagined that they would be going down to the English third tier when Rooney was handed over charge in October after a shock decision to sack John Eustace. They were sixth in the league when the former Manchester United striker took over, but found themselves languishing in the 20th spot after managing to win just twice in 15 matches before he was finally relieved of his duties following a 3-0 defeat to Leeds in February.
DID YOU KNOW?
Gary Rowett happens to be the sixth manager to take charge of Birmingham in what has been a tumultuous season for the Blues. Eustace started the season in the dugout, who Rooney replaced. After 83 days, the ex-striker was gone and Tony Mowbray was brought in at the helm. In between, Steve Spooner was in charge of a single match in an interim capacity. However, Mowbray had to leave due to a medical emergency and Mark Venus was calling the shots for six games. On March 19, Rowett was called upon to lead the team until the end of the campaign, but had little luck in scripting a turnaround.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Brady has massive plans for a makeover with £2 billion ($2.5m) reportedly to be pumped into the project. However, those efforts must start from the third tier after a disappointing season which saw Birmingham go down to League One for the first time since the 1991-92 season.
