Wayne Rooney has been warned by Alan Shearer that he must make a fast start as Birmingham City manager to avoid fans turning against him. The former Manchester United and England captain was appointed at St Andrew's last week after John Eustace was sacked despite the club sitting sixth in the Championship. NFL legend Tom Brady is part of the ownership group that made the change during the international break, with Rooney taking over after an underwhelming spell at DC United.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said the decision was very harsh on Eustace, but Rooney's huge name and Brady's influence raise expectations. He pointed out that Rooney's first match is against Middlesbrough, managed by former United teammate Michael Carrick, and described it as a tough start. "He better do well," Shearer said. "He has to go in and get a very good start or it might turn pretty ugly quickly."
Meanwhile, Rooney is reportedly targeting a move for goalkeeper Jack Butland. According to The Sun, the new Birmingham boss wants to bring in the Englishman as he looks to move on high-earner Neil Etheridge. Butland only joined Rangers in the summer, having been persuaded by Michael Beale, who has since been sacked. The keeper would need to push for a small transfer fee to make a January move possible, with Rangers reluctant to let him leave after his impressive form.
Butland has close ties to Birmingham, having come through the club's academy before joining Stoke in 2013. He also knows Rooney from their time together with England, playing alongside him in a 2013 win over France. In addition, Butland spent last season as back-up goalkeeper at Manchester United, where Rooney is a legendary figure.
Shearer's warning underscores the pressure on Rooney, who left DC United after a difficult period in Major League Soccer. Birmingham's decision to change managers has been controversial given their league position, and the new boss will need to maintain the club's promotion push to avoid a swift backlash.
