Wayne Rooney: Former Manchester United and England striker named Plymouth Argyle’s new head coach | Football news

Wayne Rooney has been appointed as Plymouth Argyle’s new head coach; The 38-year-old is keen to re-establish his reputation at the Sky Bet Championship club after a poor spell at Birmingham last season when he lost nine of 15 games; Rooney also managed Derby County and DC United

Wayne Rooney says his appointment as Plymouth Argyle’s new head coach is the “perfect next step” in his career.

England’s second-highest goalscorer was sacked by Birmingham in January after just 83 days in charge.

Rooney has also managed Derby County and DC United and is now in his fourth managerial role at Sky Bet Championship side Plymouth.

The 38-year-old said: “Taking on this role at Plymouth Argyle feels like the perfect next step in my career – and I would like to thank the chairman and board for the confidence they have shown in me.

“This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project. I’m looking forward to helping build a squad of players who play expansive football – and entertaining the Green Army.

“I have experienced first-hand how talented the group of players are here – and also the incredible atmosphere at Home Park. The club is on an exciting long-term journey with a progressive plan in place. I am grateful for the opportunity . to be part of it.

Plymouth retained their Championship status on the final day of the 2023/24 season after beating Hull City 1-0 at Home Park to finish 21st – a point above relegated Birmingham.

Argyle were looking for a new boss after the sacking of Ian Foster towards the end of last season.

Director of football Neil Dewsnip and manager Kevin Nancekivell took charge on an interim basis for the remainder of the campaign and guided Plymouth to safety. Dewsnip knows Rooney from his time as Everton’s academy coach.

Plymouth said “a number of highly experienced managers and coaches were interviewed” but Rooney stood out as “the right candidate”.

Chairman Simon Hallett said: “Throughout the interview process, Wayne showed himself to be a passionate, intelligent and knowledgeable candidate with an appetite to prove himself and develop his managerial career.

“So much so that he came to the board when we started this process and was attracted to the project at hand and showed a real plan on how to take the football club forward.

“His ambitions and goals match ours perfectly and we believe he is the perfect candidate to deliver the brand of exciting, attacking football we all love to see and help us deliver on the club’s mission.

“We look forward to another exciting season of Championship football and I welcome him to Argyle.”

First-team coaches Nancekivell and Simon Ireland and goalkeeping coach Daryl Flahavan will be part of the staff behind Rooney, with further additions to be made.

Ad content | Stream Sky Sports on NOW

Stream Sky Sports live with no contract for a month or day membership NOW. Instant access to live action from the Premier League, EFL, F1, England Cricket and more.