Former England and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has parted ways with Championship club Plymouth Argyle after just seven months in charge. The club sits at the bottom of the table, four points from safety. Rooney’s tenure marks the end of his fourth managerial role, following challenging spells with Birmingham City, Derby County, and DC United in the United States.
So, what went wrong for Rooney at Plymouth? How did the players and fans react to his leadership? BBC Sport investigates the key aspects of his time at Home Park.
The Style of Play: Progressive But Ineffective
Rooney tried to implement a modern, attacking style similar to Pep Guardiola’s tactics, aiming to play from the back and control possession. At times, this approach led to exciting matches, such as a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sunderland. However, the team’s inconsistent performances and lack of a solid Plan B hindered their progress.
Plymouth’s 48.6% possession rate was decent, but their expected goals (xG) were among the lowest in the league, highlighting their struggles to create clear-cut chances. A weak defense also contributed to their poor performance, with a league-worst xG against and numerous conceded goals.
The Players: Popular but Underperforming
Despite some public criticism, Rooney’s relationship with his players remained positive. He was well-liked and respected in the dressing room, with players seemingly motivated to give their best under his leadership. “There was no loss of the dressing room,” said BBC Radio Devon sports reporter Alan Richardson. “He was very popular and always had time for staff.”
However, despite a solid team spirit, the squad struggled to match the required level of performance, particularly in away matches. Plymouth’s away form under Rooney was disastrous, with no wins in 13 away games.
Media Interaction: A Humble Leader
Rooney maintained a positive relationship with the media throughout his tenure. Known for his affable nature, he was often described as “humble” and “approachable.” Even after heavy defeats, he took responsibility and never shied away from post-match interviews. His straightforwardness earned him respect, even when the results were less than favorable.
Fan Support: A Love for the Fans
When Rooney was appointed, many Plymouth fans were skeptical, unsure if the legendary striker was the right fit for the job. However, his down-to-earth demeanor quickly won them over. “He was absolutely brilliant with the fans,” said Richardson. Rooney often stopped to sign autographs and engage with supporters, enhancing his rapport with the Plymouth faithful.
The Reality: A Difficult Job at Plymouth
Rooney’s time at Plymouth was undeniably tough. The club has one of the smallest budgets in the league and was always punching above its weight. Despite the challenges, fans and the board were patient with Rooney, but a poor run of form eventually led to his departure. Joe Bell, a Plymouth podcaster, acknowledged that keeping the team in the Championship was a difficult task, especially with an injury-riddled squad.
What’s Next for Rooney?
Now that Rooney has left Plymouth, questions remain about his future in management. Will he return to coaching or take on a new challenge? Pat Nevin, former Chelsea winger, speculated that Rooney might take some time for self-reflection before deciding whether to continue in management.
External Link: BBC Sport – Wayne Rooney’s Time at Plymouth Argyle
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