Manchester United Legend Wayne Rooney and Plymouth Argyle Part Ways After Just Six Months

Wayne Rooney’s time as the manager of Plymouth Argyle has come to an end after just six months. Yesterday, the Championship club announced that they have “mutually agreed to part ways” with the former Manchester United and England forward. Rooney was in-charge of just 25 games before his contract was mutually terminated.

Rooney was appointed by Plymouth in May on a three-year contract. The former Manchester United star was looking to rebuild his managerial career after a disastrous 15-game spell with Birmingham City, who were relegated to League One last year. However, Rooney’s time at Plymouth has ended in a similar fashion. Under his leadership, the Pilgrims managed just five wins in 25 games, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the Championship table with a mere 18 points. The final blow came in a 2-0 defeat to fellow relegation candidates Oxford United, a result that proved too much for Plymouth’s hierarchy. Shortly after the loss, the club announced their decision to part ways with Rooney. 

"Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect," Plymouth said in a statement on Tuesday. Rooney also thanked the club and its fans via an official statement which read, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth, 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. To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever. I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support. 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.” 

Wayne Rooney's managerial stint at Plymouth Argyle has unfortunately followed the same rocky path as his troubled spells with Derby County, DC United, and Birmingham City. With another disappointing chapter now added to his coaching resume, questions loom large over Rooney’s future in management. In the wake of his departure, first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards have stepped up to take interim charge of the team. As Plymouth looks to steady the ship, all eyes will be on this duo to inspire a turnaround and guide the Pilgrims out of their current struggles. 

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