Wayne Rooney will always cherish Plymouth memories after leaving role as boss

Wayne Rooney says Plymouth will “always hold a special place in my heart” after departing the club following just seven months as head coach.

The 39-year-old joined the Pilgrims in May, marking his return to Sky Bet Championship management following previous spells in charge of Birmingham and Derby.

Rooney’s tenure got off to a tricky start with a 4-0 opening-day defeat by Sheffield Wednesday and a difficult campaign sees his side currently sitting rock bottom of the table, four points from safety.

So far this season Plymouth have recorded 13 defeats from 23 Championship games and have only picked up four league wins, with their latest coming at the start of November in the shape of a 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Portsmouth.

Rooney’s last game at the helm came on Sunday, when Argyle suffered their sixth defeat in seven games with a 2-0 defeat at Oxford.

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.

“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 will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”

Assistant head coach Mike Phelan, who was appointed on December 8, has also left the club along with coach Simon Ireland.

Plymouth confirmed that first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards will be in charge for their New Year’s Day clash with Bristol City.

A statement on the club website read: “Plymouth 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.”