Wayne Rooney has been sacked from his latest job as manager of Plymouth Argyle in the Championship, lasting seven months in the job and leaving the club at the bottom of the table – but some Argyle fans say it’s not all his fault that the team’s form has been so terrible this year.
Rooney was appointed on a three-year contract in May, with the goal of securing Plymouth’s survival in the Championship after being promoted in 2023. The team have managed just four wins in 23 league games this season, and are four points from safety going into the new year.
The former Manchester United forward began his managerial career at Derby County in 2020, where points deductions and administration helped seal their relegation to League One. Following a stint at DC United in the USA’s Major League Soccer, he managed Birmingham City – where a poor record of two wins in fifteen games saw him leave after just three months.
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Following his departure from Plymouth on New Year’s Eve, 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 fans on our sister site, Plymouth Live, reacted to the news with relief and regret. One member of the “Green Army” wrote: “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.”
Another fan was 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.”
A commenter wrote: “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. 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.”
One fan laid the blame at the club, rather than Rooney: “Feel sorry for Wayne as it wasn’t his fault. We have played c*** 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.”
Another fan said: “About time! Walk of shame after total failure.”
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