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Wayne Rooney has stepped down as head coach of Plymouth Argyle by mutual agreement, ending a turbulent seven-month tenure with the struggling Championship side, Soccernet.football reports.
The former England and Manchester United star departs with the Pilgrims rooted to the bottom of the table, following a dismal run that has seen them claim just four wins in 23 league games.
Appointed in May, Rooney was initially heralded as the man to deliver an attacking brand of football to Home Park.
However, under his leadership, Plymouth scored the joint-fewest goals in the Championship and conceded more than any other team across England’s top four divisions.
His departure comes in the wake of a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United, their sixth loss in a winless streak stretching back to early November. The loss was met with boos from frustrated supporters, a response Rooney had said he did not take “personally.”
In his farewell statement, Rooney expressed gratitude to the club and its supporters:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club. 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… 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.”
Despite his reputation as England’s all-time leading scorer, Rooney’s managerial career has struggled to gain traction.
His stint at Plymouth follows an ill-fated 83-day spell with Birmingham City, where he oversaw nine defeats in 15 games before being sacked.
Injuries compounded Rooney’s challenges at Plymouth, with key players like striker Muhamed Tijani and winger Ibrahim Cissoko sidelined for much of the season. The team’s lack of attacking direction, particularly in away fixtures, ultimately led to mounting pressure on the club’s hierarchy to act.
