Tom Brady Critiques Wayne Rooney's Management at Birmingham City: A Deep Dive into Football Leadership
Explore Tom Brady's candid views on Wayne Rooney's brief tenure at Birmingham City, highlighting leadership challenges and team dynamics in football.



In a revealing documentary series on Amazon Prime, NFL icon Tom Brady shared his concerns about Wayne Rooney's work ethic during his short-lived stint as manager of Birmingham City. Brady, a minority owner of the club, expressed his doubts in a filmed conversation, stating, "I'm a little worried about our head coach's work ethic."
The Context of Rooney's Appointment
Wayne Rooney, a former England captain, was appointed as Birmingham's manager in October 2023, replacing John Eustace. Despite initial optimism, Rooney's tenure lasted only 83 days, with the team's performance plummeting under his leadership.
Brady's On-Site Observations
Brady visited the club's training ground in November 2023, where he filmed interactions with Rooney and observed training sessions. He remarked, "We've got a long road ahead," indicating his concerns about the team's direction.
Cultural and Performance Issues
Rooney highlighted cultural problems within the club, emphasizing the lack of focus during matches. Brady, reflecting on the team's relegation, criticized the players as "lazy and entitled," suggesting significant changes were necessary.
Strategic Changes and Future Prospects
Following a disappointing season, Birmingham invested heavily in new players, aiming for a turnaround. The subsequent season saw them breaking records in League One, showcasing the impact of strategic changes.
Comparative Ambitions with Wrexham
The documentary also draws comparisons with Wrexham, another club with high-profile ownership. Birmingham's ambitions, as stated by co-owner Tom Wagner, are even grander, aiming for Premier League football.
This documentary not only sheds light on the challenges of football management but also on the complexities of turning around a struggling club with high expectations.