Wayne Rooney has stepped down as head coach of Championship side Plymouth Argyle by mutual agreement.
The 39-year-old former England captain managed just four league wins in 23 Championship games, suffering 13 defeats since taking over the Pilgrims in May. His departure comes with Plymouth rooted at the bottom of the division.
Rooney’s appointment followed a brief and difficult stint at Birmingham City, where he was dismissed after 83 days, having overseen nine defeats in 15 games.
Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Oxford United—Plymouth’s sixth defeat in a nine-game winless streak—was met with boos from frustrated fans at Home Park. This poor run, which began in early November, marked a difficult chapter in Rooney’s managerial career.
Despite his illustrious playing career as England and Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer, Rooney struggled to replicate his success as a manager. Under his leadership, Plymouth recorded the joint fewest goals in the Championship and conceded more than any other club across England’s top four divisions.
Assistant head coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland have also parted ways with the club.
First-team coach Kevin Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards will step in to lead the team for Wednesday’s crucial home match against Bristol City.
