Watford, Millwall and QPR’s rivals announce shock manager departure as ex-Man Utd ‘agrees deal’ to take charge

Birmingham City have sacked John Eustace despite the club sitting in sixth place in the Championship table. Watford, Millwall and QPR’s league rivals are now in the hunt for a new manager.

Wayne Rooney is expected to take over the Midlands outfit. The Manchester United and England favourite has recently left MLS side DC United. Birmingham have made a solid start to the new season and are in the play-offs as they head into the October international break. The Blues beat rivals West Brom 3-1 last time out.

Eustace managed to keep them up in the last campaign and helped the development of some of their younger players. He won 33.33% of matches in charge of the St. Andrew’s outfit. After making the shock decision to cut ties with him, Birmingham’s website reads: “It is essential that the Board of Directors and the football management are fully aligned on the importance of implementing a winning mentality and a culture of ambition across the entire Football Club.

“With this in mind, Birmingham City has today parted company with Head Coach, John Eustace. Eustace departs after 15 months in charge, having helped to stabilise and strengthen the Club on the pitch following his appointment in July 2022. In his first season at the helm, he guided the team to a 17th-place finish, securing Sky Bet Championship status with three games remaining.

“During his time at St. Andrew’s, he galvanised the squad to deliver a number of memorable moments in testing circumstances. The Club would like to thank John for his contribution. His dedication and work ethic was evident throughout his time in B9 and he will always be welcomed back to St. Andrew’s.

“A new First Team Manager will be announced in the coming days who will be responsible for creating an identity and clear ‘no fear’ playing style that all Birmingham City teams will adopt and embrace. The Club will be issuing no further comment at this time.”