![](\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/static-assets\/images\/newsletter\/football\/football-thumb\/football-thumb.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook has blamed \u201cmisalignment\u201d for the circumstances that led to John Eustace\u2019s sacking but vowed to make the club \u201ca football powerhouse\u201d amid reports Wayne Rooney is set to take charge as boss.<\/p>\n
Eustace\u2019s departure from St Andrew\u2019s on Monday morning further stoked rumours that former England captain Rooney is due to be appointed as manager following his DC United exit on Sunday.<\/p>\n
While an update on the new boss is expected in \u201cthe coming days\u201d, Cook explained the timing of Eustace\u2019s exit was driven by facilitating the best possible circumstances for his successor.<\/p>\n
It became clear that there was a misalignment with the leadership of the club. <\/p>\n
In a statement posted to the club\u2019s official website, Cook wrote:\u00a0\u201cJohn had clear ambitions and goals for the season. Unfortunately, following a series of meetings over a number of months, it became clear that there was a misalignment with the leadership of the club. When this happens, the best thing to do is to part company.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe timing of the decision allows the incoming manager sufficient time to evaluate the playing staff ahead of the January and summer transfer windows.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a short period, the owners, board members and club leadership have overseen the start of a transformation that not even the most optimistic Blues fan would have considered possible. And this is just the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Birmingham, who sit sixth in the Championship, have made a solid start to the season with five wins, three draws and three losses, including a come-from-behind 3-1 derby win over West Brom on Friday.<\/p>\n
Eustace led Birmingham to safety last season, a feat Cook acknowledged in a meeting on Monday morning in which he \u201cshared the reasons for the decision to part company\u201d.<\/p>\n
Cook did not directly discuss the recruitment process for a new boss in his statement, but hinted at ambitions to attract top talent.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cThe owners and board members are ambitious. They are driven to help make Birmingham City a football powerhouse. It will not happen overnight. It is a step-by-step approach.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are well aware of what has happened at Blues over the past decade. We believe we have moved on from those dark days giving hope and aspiration to existing and new fans. Our intent is to be judged over what we do in the years to come and be ambitious with the new story that we are writing.<\/p>\n
\u201cCreating a winning culture in an organisation that has been on its back foot for a number of years is not easy. My executive team are aware that we are aspiring to be world class, but it takes more than words.<\/p>\n
\u201cBirmingham City Football Club needs world-class professionals across every department, to enhance our performance on and off the pitch. Experienced people who know how to be successful and are driven by winning. We are not going to stop identifying and adding such talent to help us realise our ambition.\u201d<\/p>\n