Wayne Rooney believes he was not given enough time as Birmingham City manager after the club sacked him on Tuesday.
The former Manchester United and Everton striker won just two of the 15 games he oversaw in the dugout since replacing John Eustace in October.
The Midlands outfit were in the play-off spots when Rooney took over, but now find themselves 20th in the Championship table, just six points above the dropzone.
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Monday’s 3-0 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road turned out to be the 38-year-old’s last game in charge, although he denied he was on the brink after the final whistle.
“Despite their best efforts, results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset,” Birmingham said in a statement. “Therefore, the board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the football club.”
Wayne Rooney Statement In Full
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“I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.
“Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be.
“However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
“Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16. Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.
“Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”
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