Wayne Rooney: Former Manchester United star sacked as Plymouth Argyle manager after just seven months

Plymouth have parted ways with head coach Wayne Rooney, with the club languishing at the bottom of the Championship.

'Wayne Rooney.'

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Rooney and Plymouth have agreed to split ways after a dismal start to the Championship season. The Pilgrims have won only four of their 23 matches and are four points from safety. The Manchester United icon took over in the summer, but he will be searching for a new job in 2025 when his current management endeavor comes to an end. Plymouth have stated that assistant coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Stephen Ireland will both be leaving.

In a statement issued by the club, Rooney said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, particularly Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip, with whom I had a great relationship." Thank you also to all of the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club so great, as well as the players and supporters for their efforts and support throughout my time as Head Coach, and best wishes for the future.

"Thank you to the Green Army for making the Home Park games so memorable; they are memories that we will cherish forever. I'd also want to recognize my coaching crew, Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan, and Mike Phelan, for their expertise, devotion, assistance, and support. Plymouth Argyle will always retain a particular place in my heart, and I will continue to follow and be interested in their success."

Rooney's seven-month spell at Plymouth had few positives, and it adds to his poor reputation as a manager. With periods at Derby, D.C. United, and Birmingham all lasting shorter than two seasons, it's unclear whether the Manchester United veteran will stick with his present route or return to punditry. There is no doubt that Rooney was one of the finest players of the twenty-first century, but as a manager, he has yet to establish himself at the highest level.

Nobody knows what the future holds for Rooney, but in Plymouth, there will be a renewed drive to escape relegation. The club have confirmed that first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards will lead the Pilgrims ahead of their New Year's Day match against Bristol City.