Former Manchester United striker set to become manager of EFL Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle

Wayne Rooney is set to be appointed as the new manager of EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle on Saturday following discussions regarding the vacancy. Rooney is eager to re-establish his reputation following a terrible tenure at Birmingham this past season, during which he lost nine out of fifteen games.

Argyle have been searching for a new manager following the firing of Ian Foster at the end of the previous campaign. Director of football Neil Dewsnip and coach Kevin Nancekivell assumed control for the rest of the season and led Plymouth to safety, although at Birmingham's expense.

Dewsnip knows Rooney through his experience as a coach in Everton's academy. Rooney made 763 appearances for Everton, Manchester United, MLS side DC United, and Derby. He took on a player-coach role for the Rams in November 2020 and confirmed his decision to retire two months afterwards, after becoming the permanent manager.

The former England forward managed Derby County for 85 games before returning to America to manage his previous team, DC United. Rooney eventually became Birmingham's head coach in October 2023, although he was fired shortly after three months.

Who all will be joining Wayne Rooney at Plymouth Argyle?

Plymouth Argyle also met with former Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom about succeeding former England Under-20s manager Ian Foster before selecting Rooney as their preferred candidate. Rooney has previously coached DC United and Derby, and he has collaborated with Pete Shuttleworth, who has agreed to join the coaching team at Plymouth. Plymouth's long-time coach, Kevin Nancekivell, is anticipated to remain in charge.

A few months back, Wayne Rooney had shown desire to return back as manager if given an opportunity at any club. He said, “It was a setback what happened at Birmingham but I’m a fighter and I want to get back into it. You know as a manager [being sacked] is part of the job and you will have setbacks. It’s about how you bounce back. I’ve had some good time to reflect and will make sure I get it right next time.”