Wayne Rooney, the former England striker and player-coach at Derby County, is reportedly in talks with Championship side Plymouth Argyle regarding their vacant head coach position. The 38-year-old is looking to redeem himself after a disappointing stint at Birmingham last season, where he suffered nine losses out of 15 games.
Plymouth Argyle is currently searching for a new boss after dismissing Ian Foster towards the end of the previous season. Neil Dewsnip, the director of football at Argyle, and coach Kevin Nancekivell took charge for the remainder of the campaign and successfully guided Plymouth to safety, ironically at the expense of Birmingham.
Dewsnip is familiar with Rooney from their time together at Everton’s academy, where Dewsnip served as a coach. This connection may work in Rooney’s favor as he seeks to secure the head coach role at Plymouth.
Wayne Rooney boasts an impressive career as a player, having made 763 appearances for clubs such as Everton, Manchester United, MLS side DC United, and Derby County. After transitioning into a player-coach role at Derby in November 2020, Rooney announced his retirement two months later to take on the permanent manager position.
During his time at Derby County, Rooney oversaw 85 games before returning to the United States to manage his former club, DC United. However, his managerial career took a hit when he was appointed as the Birmingham manager in October 2023 but was ultimately sacked less than three months later.
Rooney’s potential appointment as head coach at Plymouth Argyle could provide him with a fresh start and an opportunity to prove himself once again. Despite his recent setbacks, Rooney’s experience and knowledge of the game could prove valuable in guiding Plymouth to success in the Championship.
It is worth noting that Plymouth Argyle’s decision to consider Rooney showcases their willingness to take a chance on a high-profile figure with a mix of playing and coaching experience. This approach could potentially attract attention and interest from players and fans alike, further boosting the club’s profile.
Overall, Wayne Rooney’s talks with Plymouth Argyle offer an intriguing storyline in the world of football. If he manages to secure the head coach position, it could mark a turning point in his managerial career and present him with an opportunity to rebuild his reputation. Only time will tell if this potential partnership will come to fruition and lead to success for both Rooney and Plymouth Argyle.