Wayne Rooney loses his voice after Birmingham boss’ furious half-time rollicking inspires Blues to first win in charge
WAYNE ROONEY lost his voice – as his own version of the hairdryer treatment inspired his first victory as Birmingham boss.
The former England skipper went hoarse roasting his players at half-time against Sheffield Wednesday – seemingly aping the legendary blasts of his ex-Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
And although Rooney‘s tactic backfired on his own voice, it revived the Blues for a late win at his sixth attempt.
Sub Jordan James drilled home late on after Juninho Bacuna cancelled out George Byers’ opener for Championship bottom side Wednesday.
Birmingham‘s players also had to overcome a hostile reaction from home supporters at the interval.
But Rooney said: “Forget the fans, my reaction at half-time wasn’t good. That’s why my voice has gone.
“We didn’t play with the energy I wanted first half, and I made the players aware of that at half-time, but in the second half we were a lot better.”
And the former Everton hero explained why he had been so frustrated.
He said: “I wanted more and I expected more.
“I keep saying this, over the last few weeks the lads have been great and I’ve seen an improvement week by week.
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“So if that first half was four weeks ago I would understand it, but it was unrecognisable to what we have been doing in this international break.”
Rooney’s legendary old Red Devils’ manager Fergie famously introduced the verbal hairdryer to football during his golden reign from 1986-2013.
But it seems Roo has plenty to do to get the same vocal stamina and power – unless he has happy to keep whispering after victories.