Former Manchester City football director looks to join Birmingham City as Wayne Rooney starts Midlands revamp as he eyes future success for struggling Championship side
- Former Manchester City football director wants to join Championship
- Wayne Rooney has recently been appointed as the new manager of Birmingham City
- Mike Rigg, 53, will take on a role leading the academy’s recruitment in Birmingham
- Major debates about Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal continue It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Former Manchester City football director Mike Rigg is set to join Birmingham City as the ambitious Championship side look to overhaul their academy.
The 53-year-old is believed to be pursuing his career as sporting director at Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates, which is coached by Frank de Boer.
He will then take on a role leading the academy’s recruitment in Birmingham.
Rigg has been identified by CEO Garry Cook as the man who can find new talent for the club as they look to build their future under manager Wayne Rooney.
Birmingham already have a number of talented youngsters in and around the first-team squad and have produced the likes of Jude and Jobe Bellingham in recent years.
Wayne Rooney was recently appointed manager of Birmingham City
Birmingham City won five and lost six of their opening matches, three of which were drawn
Mike Rigg talks to Sone Aluko during the Championship match between Fulham and QPR
They lost their Category One Academy status last year, but have indicated they intend to regain that status under their new ownership, hoping to achieve it in 2025/2026.
Cook wrote a letter to the parents of the club’s young players last week, outlining their ambition to progress, while Rigg will be tasked with finding more aspiring players.
Rigg was instrumental in bringing Sergio Aguero to Manchester City and has held a series of senior roles at the likes of Burnley, Fulham, QPR, Blackburn Rovers and England.