Wayne Rooney, the former star of Manchester United, resigned as manager of Plymouth on Tuesday after only seven months in charge of the Championship underdogs.
Rooney departs with Plymouth firmly stuck at the bottom of the second division after the team lost 2-0 at relegation contender Oxford on Sunday.
With just four wins and 13 losses in their last 23 league games since Rooney’s hiring in May, Plymouth is now four points from safety.
To put more strain on the former England captain, Plymouth has recently suffered 4-0 losses to Bristol City and Coventry, as well as a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Norwich.
“I want to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Plymouth board,” Rooney remarked.
“I would also like to thank the players and supporters for their efforts and support during my time as head coach, as well as the entire staff who made me feel welcome and who contributed to the club’s unique atmosphere. I wish them all the best in the future.”
“I will always have a special place in my heart for Plymouth Argyle, and I will continue to watch and be interested in their results.
“Thank you to the Green Army for making the games at Home Park so memorable; they are memories we will cherish forever.”
The club and head coach Wayne Rooney have amicably decided to part ways with immediate effect, Plymouth Argyle can reveal, according to a statement posted on the official website.
“We wish Wayne and his team the best of luck in the future and thank them for all of their hard work.”
This is the 39-year-old Rooney’s most recent management failure. Birmingham fired him after just 15 games as manager the previous season.
Rooney’s departure ultimately led to Birmingham’s relegation from the Championship.
When Derby entered administration and violated Football League financial regulations, the team was slapped with significant point deductions, making it impossible for Rooney to retain Derby in the championship.
After the Rams were relegated in 2022, he left the team, but he received praise at Derby for keeping them in the survival struggle until the conclusion of the season.
In addition, Rooney managed DC United in the US for a while before coming back to England.
Rooney is regarded as one of the best players of his generation. He is the all-time top scorer for Manchester United and held the record for England for eight years until Harry Kane broke it in 2023.
He had a spectacular 13-year tenure with United that ended in 2017, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Champions League, and the Europa League.
