Less than 250 days after being appointed as Plymouth Argyle’s new manager, Wayne Rooney has left by mutual consent, the club announced. He leaves a club bottom of the Championship after conceding 51 goals in the league, while also scoring the joint fewest goals with 22. He guided the team to just five wins in 25 games in charge. The festive period has not been kind to the Argyle, with them suffering several heavy defeats as they have gone winless since November 5.
Despite being bottom of the Championship after 23 games played, there is a chance to redeem themselves as they are just four points off 21st, which could see them avoid relegation to League One. But that is also why the decision had to be made now ahead of a New Year’s game against Bristol City in front of their supporters at Home Park. Coach Kevin Nancekivell and defenseman Joe Edwards will lead the team for that match.
Rooney’s assistant Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland will also leave the club.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip, with whom I have had a great relationship,” Rooney said in a club statement.
“I would also like to thank 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. Green Army, thank you for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories we will share forever.”
This isn’t Rooney’s first short spell in the Championship, as it was sacked by Birmingham City after just 83 days with the club just above the relegation zone. Birmingham eventually dropped back to League One, but there is time for Plymouth to avoid a return to the division after being promoted to the Championship after winning League One at the end of the 2022-2023 season.
Rooney’s managerial history is shaping up to be a mixed one, with a strong spell at Derby County now erased following spells at DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.