Wayne Rooney’s time as Plymouth Argyle coach ends after simply 7 months

Former Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has parted methods with Championship aspect Plymouth Argyle after simply seven months in cost. His departure, by mutual settlement, follows a difficult stint marked by poor outcomes and rising stress.

Rooney joined Plymouth Argyle in Could 2024 on a three-year contract, succeeding Ian Foster. Hopes had been excessive for the previous England star to carry a contemporary perspective, however the workforce’s fortunes rapidly nosedived underneath his management. Argyle at present sits on the backside of the Championship desk with 18 factors from 23 matches, 4 factors adrift of security. The workforce has additionally didn’t safe an away win all season, additional compounding their struggles.

The tipping level got here after a 2-0 loss to fellow relegation contenders Oxford United on Sunday. This consequence prolonged a dismal run that included heavy defeats towards Coventry Metropolis, managed by Frank Lampard, in addition to Bristol Metropolis and Norwich Metropolis.

Rooney’s challenges at Plymouth adopted an equally robust spell at Birmingham Metropolis, the place he was dismissed in early 2024 after simply 4 months in cost. Throughout that point, Birmingham managed solely two wins in 15 video games, casting doubts over Rooney’s managerial capabilities within the aggressive Championship.

Within the wake of Rooney’s departure, Kevin Nancekivell, a membership stalwart, will step in as caretaker supervisor for Plymouth’s upcoming match towards Bristol Metropolis on New Yr’s Day. Rooney’s teaching employees, together with assistant supervisor Mike Phelan and coach Simon Eire, have additionally exited the membership.

Whereas Rooney’s managerial profession has proven flashes of promise, his back-to-back struggles at Birmingham Metropolis and Plymouth Argyle counsel a steep studying curve as he navigates his post-playing days. As Plymouth grapples with their relegation battle, the main target now shifts to discovering a long-term resolution to revive their season and safe Championship survival.

Rooney’s subsequent steps in administration stay unsure, however his current experiences underline the challenges of transitioning from a legendary taking part in profession to a profitable tenure within the dugout.