After just seven months in charge of Plymouth Argyle, Wayne Rooney has left the Championship club by mutual consent. Following his sacking by Birmingham City in June, he was appointed as the Pilgrims’ head coach in May. Rooney managed just four league wins in 23 games, with 13 defeats, and leaves the club at the bottom of the table. This was a far cry from the excitement felt when he was appointed, with the club describing him as “the perfect candidate to provide the exciting and attacking brand of football” they were looking for.
Rooney’s final defeat came at the hands of Oxford United, who beat the Pilgrims 2-0. It was their sixth defeat in nine games, and the team was booed off the pitch. Despite declining to take criticism personally, this seemed to be enough for Rooney’s tenure to be brought to an end. During his time as head coach, Plymouth dropped to the bottom of the table, scoring the joint-fewest goals in the second tier, and conceding more than any other club in England’s top four divisions.
Rooney took the opportunity upon his departure to thank the board, the staff, the fans, and the players for their efforts and support during his tenure as the head coach. He also mentioned that Plymouth Argyle would always hold a special place in his heart, and that he would continue to take an interest in their results. However, his future in coaching is uncertain after these consecutive unsuccessful appointments.
Although the club praised Rooney’s interview for the job, it was clear from the outset that the fanbase was divided when he was appointed. Some members of the fanbase welcomed the high-profile figure, while others felt that his record wasn’t good enough for the club. As losses mounted, so too did the pressure on the club, arguably more so than if they had appointed a less well-recognised name. Furthermore, Rooney’s time at Home Park was plagued with injuries to key attacking players, including Muhamed Tijani and Ibrahim Cissoko.
Plymouth Argyle must now find their third permanent manager in just eight months. Whoever they choose will have a monumental task in keeping the club in the second tier of the English football league
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