Ex-Sunderland man John O'Shea poised for Championship return

Former Sunderland man John O'Shea is set for a Championship return.

Author:
Luke Phelps
Publish date:
Oct 10, 2023 1:04 PM EDT

Former Sunderland man John O'Shea looks set to join Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City.

Birmingham City have parted ways with John Eustace and now look set to replace him with legendary former England and Manchester United striker Rooney.

Rooney, 37, has had spells in management with Derby County and D.C. United, recently leaving the latter after an unsuccessful season in the MLS.

It's reported that Rooney is on the verge of taking charge of Birmingham City and it's also being claimed that former United teammate O'Shea will join his coaching staff, as well as Ashley Cole.

O'Shea, now 42, spent 12 years as a player at United and then a further seven with Sunderland, making more than 250 appearances with the bulk of those coming in the Premier League.

The Irishman currently works as an assistant coach with the Republic of Ireland teammate and looks set to take on the Blues role alongside it; O'Shea has previously held similar roles with Reading, the Ireland U21 side, and Stoke City too.

O'Shea back in the Football League

O'Shea spent one season with Sunderland in the Championship and then time with Reading in the Football League.

It's not a league he knows all that well from his playing career but his prolonged career in the Premier League, which saw him win five Premier League titles and multiple domestic cups, should hold him in good stead at St Andrew's.

It's a tough gig for Rooney to take on; Sunderland's Championship rivals Birmingham City sit a couple of places behind the Black Cats in 6th, though whether or not the relatively inexperienced Rooney can carry on Eustace's positive start remains to be seen.

O'Shea back in the Football League

Read more Sunderland news