Wayne Rooney has stepped down as head coach of Plymouth Argyle by mutual agreement, marking the end of a challenging tenure for the 39-year-old former England captain. After just four league wins in 23 games, Plymouth sits at the bottom of the Championship table, plagued by poor performances and a string of defeats.
Rooney’s departure comes just four months after he took charge at Home Park, following a short-lived stint with Birmingham City that also ended in dismissal. Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Oxford United extended Plymouth’s winless streak to nine games, with fans chanting, “We want Rooney out,” from the stands. The mounting pressure culminated in a decision that both the club and Rooney agreed was necessary.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club,” Rooney said in a statement. “Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as head coach, and I wish them all the best for the future,” he said.
Addressing the passionate Plymouth supporters, Rooney added, “To the Green Army, thanks for making the games at Home Park so special; they are memories that we will share forever. Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”
Rooney’s time at Plymouth has been fraught with challenges, including injuries to key players like striker Muhamed Tijani and winger Ibrahim Cissoko, who have missed significant portions of the season. Despite early hopes for a dynamic attacking style under Rooney’s leadership, the team has struggled, conceding the most goals in the Championship and recording a league-worst goal difference of minus 29.
For now, first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards will lead the Pilgrims in their next match against Bristol City. Meanwhile, Plymouth faces the daunting task of finding their third permanent manager in just over a year as they fight to retain their place in the second tier.
Rooney, who had been a celebrated player for England and Manchester United, now faces an uncertain future in management. While he found success as a pundit during the Euros, consecutive struggles at Birmingham and Plymouth may make clubs hesitant to appoint him in similar roles anytime soon.
Despite their last-place standing with 18 points, Plymouth remains just four points away from safety, offering a glimmer of hope for their survival in the Championship.
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