Wayne Rooney has been SACKED by Plymouth Argyle after just seven months in charge.
The Manchester United legend replaced Ian Foster in the hotseat in May but oversaw a miserable spell, winning just five of his 25 games in charge. The Pilgrims are rock bottom of the EFL Championship after a nine-game winless run. And the club’s board have decided to take action by wielding the axe in the wake of Sunday’s 2-0 defeat away to relegation rivals Oxford United.
A club statement read: “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and head coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect. Departing the club with Rooney will be Assistant Head Coach Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland.
“First team coach Kevin Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards will lead the team for our Sky Bet Championship match against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. Daryl Flahavan will continue as Goalkeeping coach. We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future. The club will be making no further comment at this stage with updates on our new first team management staff in due course.”
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.”
Wayne Rooney’s record at Plymouth
- Games: 25
- Wins: 5
- Draws: 6
- Losses: 14
- Goals scored: 25
- Goals conceded: 53
- Win rate: 20%
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