Wayne Rooney has left Plymouth Argyle by “mutual consent” according to the club, following a dire run of form with just 1 win in 14 games leaving the club at the bottom of the Championship – but Plymouth Live readers in our comments section can’t decide if he was just dealt a bad hand.
Rooney was appointed in May this year on a three year contract, with the goal of securing Argyle’s life in the Championship in the current season. The Manchester United icon led the team to just four wins in his seven months in charge, and leaves them four points from safety going into 2025.
Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, 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.”
Argyle fan Green Oldie writes: “Wayne never really captured the confidence of many supporters, too many comments about his personal life and where he was born, his wife going off to Australia etc. Mounting injuries and players losing form were all contributing factors. I would hesitate to comment his ability to manage, the jury is out on that one, but I do sincerely hope Wayne realises his ambition.”
Reader Pogemothoin is less sympathetic: “Let’s hope the next person to take his place has more experience in managing a football team than he did! A great player but a useless manager. Good luck to Plymouth Argyle going forward.”
Commenter Goldenleg69 says: “It’s not all his fault, as the players are simply not good enough and the club’s financial status puts them at a HUGE disadvantage. However I fail to understand why he was appointed to begin. The club went for a big name with an appalling record in management again, probably Dewsnip backing him for the job. Plymouth need an experienced manager/head coach who can cajole the players, as Rooney stood on the touchline like a statue and rarely shouted instructions at the players. He looked lost.”
Greens123 writes: “Feel sorry for Wayne as it wasn’t his fault. We have played crap so far and if they don’t buck their ideas up then they can kiss goodbye to the Championship next season. We have had injuries, but it is no excuse as they are all professional players.”
Jannerman 50 has an eye on the future: “We had good times and bad times, good games and really bad away days. Plymouth Argyle will always be here, managers come and go, but the supporters remain the same. Who do we think will be next? Ryan Lowe and Steven Schumacher? Hopefully we will get a manager sorted before the end of the transfer window. I just hope the next person who comes in revitalise the club and wakes up the dream.”
Have your say! Who comes next for Plymouth Argyle? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.