Plymouth Argyle have announced the departure of manager Wayne Rooney by mutual agreement following a nine-game winless streak that leaves the club bottom of the Championship. The decision also sees Assistant Head Coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland leave the club.
“Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect,” the club stated. “We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”
Rooney’s Struggles at Argyle
Rooney’s tenure at Plymouth Argyle has been marked by disappointing results, with the team winning just four of their 23 league matches under his management—all of which came at home. The team’s away form has been particularly poor, securing only two points on the road this season and conceding 26 goals in their last nine matches.
| Wayne Rooney’s Tenure at Plymouth | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Managed | 23 |
| Wins | 4 (all at home) |
| Away Points | 2 |
| Goals Conceded in Last 9 Games | 26 |
Rooney’s struggles culminated in a streak of nine games without a win, with Argyle’s last victory dating back to early November.
Rooney’s Statement
In a farewell message, Rooney expressed gratitude to the club and its supporters:
“I would like to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, particularly Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip, for their support. Thanks also to all the staff, players, and fans who made me feel welcome.
“To the Green Army, thank you for making the games at Home Park so special. Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to follow their results with interest.”
What’s Next for Plymouth Argyle?
With Rooney’s departure, Plymouth Argyle will begin the search for a new manager to rescue their season and avoid relegation. The club will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and dismal away record as they fight to climb off the bottom of the table.
For Rooney, this marks another challenging chapter in his managerial career, as he looks to rebuild and seek future opportunities in football management.
