Wayne Rooney SACKED by Plymouth Argyle after poor run of form

Wayne Rooney has stepped down as Plymouth Argyle manager after a nine-game winless run left the club rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.

The Manchester United and England legend was only in the job for seven months before mutually parting ways on New Year’s Eve.

Rooney was appointed in May after signing a three-year deal at the club but has now stepped away from the managerial job with Plymouth just four points from safety.

Wayne Rooney Leaves Plymouth Argyle After Disastrous Run Of Form

In a statement on the Plymouth website, Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth, 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.

🚨⚠️ Official: Wayne Rooney leaves Plymouth Argyle with immediate effect.

Club confirms mutual decision after only one win in 14 games since joining the club. pic.twitter.com/oJrNWG2D6m

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 31, 2024

“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.”

Rooney Leaves Plymouth Rock Bottom Of The Championship

Wayne Rooney was in charge of just 25 games for Plymouth, winning just five of those games during his tenure.

He went on to lost 14 of those football games, managing a 20 per cent win ratio.

His latest defeat came on Sunday when Plymouth were beaten 2-0 by fellow strugglers Oxford – his 11th defeat in 13 games on the road.

Speaking after the game, Rooney said: “You have to look at every possible outcome, that’s normal with the results we’re going through. You have to feel, ‘do we have the players to turn it around? Can I turn it around? Can the coaching staff turn it around?'”I’ll go back and try to prepare for Bristol but ultimately I know football and how it works. I understand the fans. I’ve been there myself. As a fan you want to see your team win, to see your team running, making tackles and when your team is losing games, as we are, the frustration is there. I get it. I know the work we’re doing is good work. Unfortunately we’re not getting the results.

“It wasn’t good enough. We didn’t create enough chances, the goals we conceded – we didn’t do enough to stop them scoring goals. Defensively this has been going on for a few weeks now. We’ve been trying to score goals but we didn’t hurt them enough today.”

Rooney’s tenure only lasted 221 days.