Wayne Rooney’s managerial replacement identified if Man Utd legend can’t stop rot at Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM CITY are planning an “audacious” swoop for Steve Cooper – if Wayne Rooney’s dismal form as manager continues. 

The former Manchester United and Everton player is under growing pressure at St Andrew’s after a string of dismal results. 

Fans were left “dismayed” by comments he made following their defeat to Stoke, in which an exasperated Rooney said he wished he could have subbed all 11 players at half-time.

Now the ambitious owners of Birmingham are eyeing Steve Cooper, who is also apparently interesting Crystal Palace. 

Our source said: “The clock is ticking for Wayne Rooney at Birmingham.

“If results carry on as they are then a change may have to happen to ensure the club moves back in the right direction. 

“The whole atmosphere around the club isn’t right at the moment. Wayne’s comments after the Stoke match left many of the fans dismayed and indicated he may have lost the players. 

“Wayne was a controversial choice in the first place and many fans wouldn’t be crying if he left. 

“For the owners, Steve Cooper is at the top of the list. It would be an audacious, massive move because most people in the game expect Cooper to remain in the Premier League.

“He’s one of the most highly regarded coaches in England and has won many admirers for the job he did at [Nottingham] Forest. 

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“But it’s that job which has really caught the eye of Birmingham’s owners.

“They see the club being at the same crossroads as Forest were when Cooper arrived. And the owners think he could deliver the same kind of success. 

“Birmingham have big ambitions and the owners want them in the Premier League within the next two to three years.

“In Steve Cooper they think they would have the person to deliver it, while also providing a brand of football the fans will love.”

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