Rooney: Tom Brady’s Criticism Unfair and Unwarranted
Wayne Rooney has expressed frustration over comments made by Birmingham City minority owner Tom Brady regarding his tenure as manager, calling them both “very unfair” and “unwarranted.” Speaking on his new BBC podcast, the former England captain reflected on his disappointment at the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s remarks, which came while Rooney was still in charge.
The Source of the Dispute
Rooney was appointed Birmingham manager in October 2023 but was dismissed less than three months later in January 2024 after a poor run of results. In a documentary aired shortly after a visit to the club’s training ground in November, Brady said he was “a little worried about our head coach’s work ethic.” This observation came despite the NFL legend only attending a single session—held the day before a match when, as Rooney explained, training schedules are deliberately lighter.
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Rooney’s Response to Brady’s View
The former Manchester United and Everton striker was quick to defend his work ethic, suggesting Brady’s unfamiliarity with football culture led to a misunderstanding. “I don’t think he really understood football that well,” Rooney said. “What he does know is hard work—we all know that. But football isn’t the NFL. In the NFL, the season lasts just three months, and players can train with a very different intensity. In football, players need rest as well.” Rooney argued that Brady’s portrayal failed to recognise the demands and rhythms of a full football season.
Birmingham’s Ownership and Downturn
Birmingham City had been acquired by American investment group Knighthead Capital Management in the summer of 2023, with Brady taking a minority stake two months later. Despite optimism around the club’s new era, Rooney’s 15-match spell saw the Blues slide to 20th in the Championship. His dismissal was followed by further decline, and the team ultimately suffered relegation at the end of the 2023–24 campaign.
The Club’s Immediate Recovery
Under current boss Chris Davies, Birmingham made a rapid return to the Championship in the following season. They dominated League One, winning the title with a record-breaking 111 points—the highest tally ever achieved in the English Football League—restoring pride to St Andrew’s and putting the Brady-Rooney dispute firmly in the past.
