Republic of Ireland assistant coach John O'Shea has been named in new Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney's backroom staff and will combine the roles.
Birmingham have confirmed Manchester United legend Rooney as their new manager.
Rooney and O'Shea were teammates at Old Trafford for seven years.
Together they won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and Club World Cup, among other honours.
Birmingham have new American owners, who decided to sack John Eustace in favour of Rooney. Eustace briefly held the Ireland role that O'Shea now holds.
He won't be the first of Stephen Kenny's coaches to double job, as Anthony Barry was on Chelsea's backroom team and Kenny's for a time.
Rooney, who has previously managed Derby County and DC United, will also be joined by former Chelsea and Arsenal star Ashley Cole. Cole will work on the backroom team along with O'Shea.
Birmingham City Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of @WayneRooney as Manager, agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
Welcome to Blues, Wayne! 🤝🔵— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) October 11, 2023
US-based Shelby Companies Limited completed a takeover of Birmingham in July and owner Tom Wagner has been reportedly seeking to make a change of management, with Rooney’s name linked with the club in September.
In August, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady became a minority owner in the club.
Eustace was sacked despite guiding Birmingham to sixth place in the Championship this season.
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City at such an exciting time. It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club,” Rooney said.
“We are fully aligned on what is expected. I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity. It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.
“We have some exciting young players in the squad, and some who are still to break through into the First Team, alongside a core of experienced senior professionals.
“I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it. We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet.”
