Yahoo News Former Birmingham City boss Wayne Rooney makes early exit
Former Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney has departed the BBC's coverage of Euro 2024 as he goes to begin his next coaching job at Plymouth Argyle.
The ex-Premier League and England legend originally intended to provide insight for the broadcaster for the entirety of the tournament in Germany - his first official position within the sport since being sacked as Blues boss in January following a disastrous 15 matches in charge.
Birmingham were eventually relegated from the Championship and Rooney, as announced after signing up to be a pundit, quickly found another managerial role at one of the club's to survive in the second tier at his former club's expense, Plymouth. Pre-season is due to begin next week, therefore the Liverpudlian is off to start preparations for the new season.
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"Wayne, it's your last time here because you were going to stay longer but you've got a job," Match of the Day host Gary Lineker said during BBC One's coverage of Ukraine vs Belgium on Wednesday, before asking when pre-season gets underway.
"I fly home tomorrow," Rooney replied. "The lads are back in on July 3 so I'll be home and straight down to Plymouth."
Fixtures for all three English Football League divisions were announced yesterday morning - City being handed their schedule for the upcoming League One campaign, as were Argyle for their second consecutive year in the Championship. Lineker asked his co-pundit for his thoughts on an away trip to Sheffield Wednesday for the opening game of the season.
Rooney answered: "The excitement was there today. When you see the fixtures you're looking through the opening games, the Christmas schedule and stuff. I'm really excited."
Of course barring a cup draw, Rooney will not face Birmingham in the season ahead.
