By Victor Kanayo
After his not too impressive show in previous coaching role, former Manchester United player, Wayne Rooney, has now been appointed the head coach of Plymouth Argyle.
This was disclosed by the club in a statement via their official website on Saturday.
Club Confirmation
Part of the statement reads, “We are delighted to announce that Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Plymouth Argyle.
“His appointment follows a lengthy and extensive recruitment process, as a result of which a number of highly experienced Managers and Head Coaches were interviewed. Wayne, however, stood out as the right candidate for Argyle.
“38-year-old Rooney is one of our country’s finest ever players. He is Manchester United’s all-time leading goal scorer – an accolade he also held with England until very recently – and is a five-time Premier League winner.
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“Rooney’s managerial experience so far has demonstrated his strong character and ability to battle against the odds. This is emphasised by his first full season in charge at Derby County, where his young team won 55 points despite off-field administrative issues engulfing the club. He has since had managerial experience in the MLS at D.C. United, where results improved as he put his own stamp on the squad, and in the Championship with Birmingham City.”
Ex-international’s Reaction
Reacting to his latest job, Rooney said: “Taking 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 faith they have shown in me.
“This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project. I look forward to helping to build a squad of players to play expansive football – and to entertain the Green Army.
“I have experienced first-hand how talented the existing group of players is 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.
“I can’t wait for the Championship season to start in August.”
Rooney succeeds Ian Foster, who was sacked on 1 April after a poor run of results.
First-team coaches Kevin Nancekivell and Simon Ireland, and goalkeeping coach Daryl Flahavan will form part of Rooney’s backroom staff, with further additions to be made in due course, according to Plymouth.
Previous Caoching Roles
Plymouth represents Rooney’s fourth job as manager.
He first took over Derby County and kept them in the Championship against a backdrop of severe financial difficulties, though departed once they were relegated the following season, largely due to a deduction of 21 points.
He returned to former club DC United in Major League Soccer, this time as manager, for more than a year before handling the reins at Birmingham as part of an American consortium’s revamp following their takeover.
