Alan Curbishley, a Birmingham City great, has expressed compassion for former Blues manager John Eustace and believes Wayne Rooney may benefit from having someone like himself in the dugout at St Andrew’s.
The 66-year-old former midfielder, who spent four years at Birmingham City and helped the team win Second Division promotion in 1980, has weighed in on Rooney’s first few months in charge. Since taking over as manager of Manchester United last month, he has watched his team lose three games and draw one. The former Premier League striker’s hiring follows the surprise resignation of John Eustace, who was fired owing to a “misalignment with the club’s leadership” despite the club lying sixth in the Championship. Birmingham City have now dropped to 18th place.
Curbishley, who managed Charlton Athletic for seven years and West Ham for two, told Free Bets UK: “It’s an interesting one because I’ve been to a couple of games.” The stadium is the first thing that strikes you when you arrive in St. Andrews. Parts of it are not condemned, but they are unable to use them.
“I believe that when the new owners and team arrived at the club, they were saying all the right things and doing all the right things in terms of structure because the team is playing to two or two and a half sides and the atmosphere is not what it should be.” “So they’ve started working on the stadium, which is fantastic, and the fans have been ecstatic about it, but I think when they sacked John Eustace and brought in Wayne Rooney, it was like, ‘woah hold on.'” You might say John did a great job; they ended just outside the playoffs last year and were sniffing around this year, so it was a bit of a surprise. But, let’s be clear, it’s not Wayne Rooney’s fault.
“I felt sorry for John Eustace, and I hope he finds another job soon or has one lined up, because he did an excellent job in Birmingham.” However, new owners cannot be legislated for. West Ham’s new owners decided they wanted to replace Alan Pardew, and they did so.
“New owners went to Birmingham, put their money in there, and made the decision.” Because of what John had done, I don’t believe it was particularly favorable. I believe it has put Wayne under some strain. Maybe it still does. He had to win this time.”
Curbishley went on to say that Rooney, who left D.C. United to take on the Birmingham City challenge, would have been prepared for a cold reception – and that he may benefit from an old-hand like himself.
“When fans realize a manager is going to be fired, they’re ready for it,” the former Brighton player continued. Most Birmingham fans were expected the new owners to start supporting John Eustace, thus this came as a surprise.
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