01 January 2024 , 20:13
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Birmingham City boss Wayne Rooney hit out after he was subjected to ‘unacceptable’ chants referencing Jimmy Savile.
It was another chastening day for the Manchester United and England legend as his struggling side slumped to defeat again, losing 3-0 at Leeds United. Rooney was appointed by the new ownership group at St Andrew’s, controversially replacing popular former manager John Eustace.
When the change in the dugout came back in October, Blues were in the play-off places, but a run of just two wins in 15 matches has seen them drop like a stone towards the Championship relegation zone.
Furious travelling fans called for Rooney to leave the club throughout the game, before loudly booing him as he went down the tunnel following the heavy loss. Rooney had no issues with those chants, but was not happy with a chant referencing disgraced former BBC presenter Savile.
“The only chant I didn’t appreciate really was the Jimmy Savile one. I just don’t think that’s acceptable,” Rooney explained post-match. It is unclear whether the chants were from home or away fans, with the Leeds supporters giving him plenty of stick due to his Old Trafford connections.
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The pressure on the ex-England captain continues to grow, but he insists he's still up for the fight and will turn things around in the Second City. “I’m a fighter and I get football fans’ opinions,” he added.
“I have to draw on my career, my playing career wasn’t always about success. I was in a relegation battle with Everton, I believe in myself. We’ve got a very young squad and it’s difficult for the players as well. The second half wasn’t good enough, but we have to keep fighting.”
Rooney sent a message to his bosses, urging them to bring him players to help steer Blues away from the bottom three. “I think what is clear is we need some players coming in to help the quality of the team and some fresh faces around the building. We are working extremely hard to get players in.”
Wayne Rooney speaks after Birmingham City's defeat at Leeds (Birmingham City Football Club)Patrick Bamford opened the scoring for Leeds at Elland Road, with Daniel James doubling their lead before the break. Crysencio Summerville wrapped up the scoring in the second half, but it was Bamford’s opener which stuck in the craw of the beleaguered Rooney.
“Until they scored the first goal, I thought we played well. The first goal makes a big difference to the game,” Rooney explained.
“You can’t leave Bamford free in the six-yard box because he will punish you. After they scored the second, I felt if we got the next goal we could get back in the game.”