Tom Brady’s stint as a minority owner of Birmingham City has come under scrutiny in a new documentary titled “Built in Birmingham: Brady and the Blues.” The series captures the tension surrounding the management of Wayne Rooney, who was appointed to lead Birmingham in October 2023 but was dismissed just four months later after securing only two wins from 15 matches.
Brady, a legendary NFL quarterback, expressed concerns about Rooney’s commitment, saying, “I’m a little worried about our head coach’s work ethic,” during an early visit to the training ground. Despite acknowledging his own lack of instincts in this area, Brady’s comments reflect the high expectations often associated with leadership in sports. He also voiced his discontent regarding the overall attitude of Birmingham’s players, describing them as “lazy” and “entitled,” which he believes hinders success.
Rooney, upon his dismissal, argued that the club acted too quickly and stressed the necessity of time for implementing needed changes. He stated, “Time is the most precious commodity a manager requires, and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient.” After his short-lived tenure at Birmingham, Rooney managed Plymouth Argyle but left the club after they finished at the bottom of the Championship.
Following Rooney’s departure, Birmingham City went on to achieve a remarkable turnaround, returning to the Championship in the 2024/25 season after winning League One with a record points total under new management.
The documentary also highlights the cultural contrasts between Brady and Rooney, showcasing their differing approaches to sport and practice. Brady emphasized the importance of treating every practice session like a Super Bowl, a philosophy clearly different from Rooney’s more relaxed perspective on team dynamics.
This candid portrayal of the challenges faced by Rooney at Birmingham City sheds light on the often harsh realities of management in professional sports, where performance is scrutinized under the brightest of lights. The series serves as a compelling examination of expectations versus reality in competitive sports, capturing the highs and lows of a tumultuous period for the club.
Overall, there is hope for Birmingham City as they seem to have turned a corner since Rooney’s departure, demonstrating resilience and the ability to rebound from a challenging season.