Wayne Rooney has been named the new manager of Plymouth Argyle for the coming season, in a bid to set his coaching career back on the right track. The team retained their place in the Championship on the final day, finishing 21st in the table, a point above Birmingham City, whom Rooney managed previously.
The former Manchester United player oversaw nine defeats in 15 games during his time with Birmingham, partially contributing to their relegation.
Wayne Rooney becomes new Plymouth Argyle manager
🏴🤝🏼 Wayne Rooney is new head coach of Plymouth Argyle.
— Pedro Almeida (@pedrogva6) May 25, 2024
3-year contract. pic.twitter.com/BTLln9BAIM
“Taking this role at Plymouth Argyle feels like the perfect next step in my career – and I would like to thank the chairman and board for the faith they have shown in me,” Wayne Rooney said after being named the new manager of Plymouth.
“This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project. I look forward to helping to build a squad of players to play expansive football – and to entertain the Green Army.
“I have experienced first-hand how talented the existing group of players is here – and also the incredible atmosphere at Home Park. The club is on an exciting long-term journey, with a progressive plan in place. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.”
With Ian Foster sacked near the end of the campaign, the club has been searching for a new manager for a while. And after thorough discussions, Rooney stood out as the best candidate. Now, it remains to be seen whether he can turn things around in his managerial career after the difficult start in two of his previous spells with DC United and Birmingham.