Wayne Rooney has this morning (Dec 31) left Plymouth Argyle by mutual agreement a day before facing Bristol City. Rooney has led the Pilgrims on a horrendous run of results which has left the club rooted at the bottom of the Championship.
For the New Year’s Day game against Bristol City, first team coach Kevin Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards will take charge of the team. Daryl Flahavan will continue as goalkeeping coach but assistant head coach Mike Phelan, seen by some as a potential successor to Rooney, is also leaving the club along with first team coach Simon Ireland.
Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, 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 Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”
Argyle said in a statement confirming the departure of the 39-year-old: “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.”