Wayne Rooney speaks for the first time as he part ways with Plymouth Argyle

Wayne Rooney speaks for the first time as he part ways with Plymouth Argyle following a woeful spell in charge of the club.

He said following a 2-0 defeat to Oxford at the weekend that he doesn’t take criticism “personally” with the Pilgrims sitting bottom of the Championship table, four points from safety, six defeats in the last 7 matches, and 11 defeats in 13 away matches.

John Percy says the decision made at board meeting on the 30th of December, his time at Home Park all over after just 23 league matches.

It was an appointment that fans urged the club not to happen, but they went and done it anyway, just months on from seeing Rooney sacked by Birmingham having suffered 9 in 15 matches, seeing his side go from 6th down to 20th in the table.

Club Statement | Argyle and Rooney mutually part ways.https://t.co/0KM0pdIRO7#pafc

— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) December 31, 2024

STATEMENT:

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.

The departing 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.”

Fans continue to mock Wayne Rooney with chants during Plymouth’s defeat at Oxford

Twitter users reacted after Wayne Rooney speaks for the first time as he part ways with Plymouth Argyle…

@DanGoodey: Phelan surely getting a statue at HP for his services to the club

@9_Hendo: How’s he actually managed to do WORSE? Ffs. Plymouth shouldve just waited and sacked him on the 2nd like we did for the banter. Pack it in Wayne, you’re done.

@dhunter1993: That’s Rooneys last job in football who ever appointed him deserves the sack aswell

@JRipley98: Walked away to save them paying out I think for the job opportunity he was given with probably the return scenario down the line

@Matt4Compton: At least a month too late, but better late than never. Dewsnip next please!

@CleaveO: The writing was on the wall despite the injuries Plymouth have suffered. Be interesting to see who comes in next. Need experienced man that can give them best possible chance of staying up. Is Rooney a busted flush when it comes to football management?

@scaifey1999: Sad it didn’t work out. I wish Rooney all the best, hopefully he spends some time in an academy learning the trade then will be back in management one day with the right experience #pafc

@bsmithgreens: Took too long and the appointment should never have been made. Dewsnip has to go as well. #pafc

@tomxrawle: He must have been desperate to go to Pop World tonight

@StephenBMcI: Thank God it’s done. An awful appointment from the start. Club need to really get the next one right. No projects. No half-baked ideas. Real stability needed. #pafc

@ArgyleMemes: That’s only half of the problem removed.

@PAFC_TB: Why this wasn’t done 3 days ago I don’t know. Now sack Dewsnip

@hugegills: Really wanted him to succed and things looked bright until first international break. He looked lost since then, results and rumours made his position untenable. Big gamble which hasnt paid off

@GJohnson2022: Every single human said when you appointed him he would take you down and guess what, they were right.

@grrooves: What a mess. Should never have appointed him. Wish him well.

@Jools_Orca: I’m really not sure why you appointed him in the first place! Absolutely nothing on his managerial CV suggested he was tne right fit for your club and could retain your status as a Championship club. How much were you paying him?

@PAFCLopez: Unfortunate but had to happen based on performance levels and results, hopefully this doesn’t affect us bringing players in though because who would want to join a team bottom of the league without a manager.

@jbarkilo:
Rooney was our leadeeerrr,
The worst coach of all time,
That’s by every metric,
No “underlying” shine,
Could’ve had Roseniooor,
His wages were too steep,
But that’s just Plymouth Argyle,
We do it on the cheap,
Allez allez allez…..

@jm_bell95: It’s a shame it didn’t work. I’ll never doubt Wayne’s passion for the job. It was the wrong appointment, we now have half a season to put it right; it’s down to the players now to fix the problems. Tomorrow’s atmosphere with Nance and Joe at the helm will be something else #pafc

@mickeyjbrown:
PLEASE DON’T APPOINT ANOTHER JOKE.
GET ON THE PHONE TO MR SCHUMACHER

What a dreadful appointment that was by #pafc.

Hardly, like it’s surprising to see them bottom at the halfway stage.

Writing was on the wall when they chose Rooney (0.67ppg at Birmingham) when they supposedly had Heckingbottom lined up…

Thank god they didn’t 😅 https://t.co/6laCgCVxby

— Jack Goodwin (@JackGoodwin2001) December 31, 2024