Plymouth Argyle sack ex-Manchester United star Wayne Rooney

Plymouth are at the bottom of the Championship table.

After only seven months in command, Plymouth have fired Wayne Rooney. The legendary Manchester United player was named Argyle’s new manager in May, but his tenure has been a complete bust. This season, Rooney has only guided the team to four Championship victories.

The most recent negative outcome saw Plymouth lose to Oxford United, another struggling team, 2-0. It leaves Plymouth at rock bottom of the table, currently, four points from survival and the club’s ownership have opted to make a switch.

A statement read: “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect. Departing the club with Rooney will be Assistant Head Coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland.

“First team coach Kevin Nancekivell and Club Captain Joe Edwards will lead the team for our Sky Bet Championship match against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. Daryl Flahavan will continue as Goalkeeping coach. We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”

Club Statement | Argyle and Rooney mutually part ways.https://t.co/0KM0pdIRO7#pafc

— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) December 31, 2024

Plymouth will now begin looking for a long-term replacement for Rooney. Their next game is on New Year’s Day when they play Bristol City at home before facing Stoke.

When went wrong for Wayne Rooney at Plymouth Argyle?

Rooney’s stint in command saw a succession of humbling defeats amid rising calls for him to be removed. The Plymouth team lost to Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 in his debut game as manager.

Along with consecutive 6-1 and 4-0 defeats to Norwich and Bristol City, respectively, there also occurred a 5-0 setback to Cardiff in October.

The weekend loss at the Kassam Stadium came after a 4-0 loss to Coventry, who were managed by Rooney’s old England teammate Frank Lampard. It proved to be Rooney’s final game at the helm.

Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with. 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.

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