Plymouth statement in full as Wayne Rooney AXED on New Year’s Eve and Man Utd legend’s manager career in ruin
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE have released a statement confirming Wayne Rooney has been axed.
The Manchester United and England legend has departed as manager with the Pilgrims bottom of the Championship.
Wayne Rooney has been axed by Plymouth Argyle[/caption]
The club announced the news in a statement, which 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 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.
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“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.”
A shocking nine-match run without a win ended Rooney’s time at the Pilgrims.
The 39-year-old guided the club to just four victories from 23 games in the league.
They conceded more goals (51) and scored the fewest (22) in the division.
Argyle are four points adrift from Championship safety.
Rooney’s managerial career is now in tatters, having left his fourth job in four years.
He begun at Derby County and managed to save them from relegation to the third tier in the 2020/21 campaign.
But following a huge 21-point deduction due to administration, they went down the following season.
Rooney then moved to the US and took over a struggling DC United.
After a promising start, he was unable to guide them into the play-offs and he mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the 2023 season.
He then returned to the Championship with Birmingham but had a nightmare, lasting just 15 games before being sacked.
Rooney then penned a three-year deal with Argyle in May, but he has been unable to take the team tipped for relegation away from the drop zone.
