LONDON (AP) — Former England football star Wayne Rooney has been relieved of his duties as head coach of Plymouth Argyle after a disappointing tenure of just seven months. The decision came on Tuesday following a heartbreaking series of performances that left the team languishing at the bottom of the English Championship, marking them as the worst-performing side in the league this season.

Rooney, who was appointed in May, oversaw a dismal record of just four wins in 23 league matches, culminating in a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United on Sunday. This loss extended the team’s winless streak to nine games, prompting the club to officially announce their mutual decision to part ways. "Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and head coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect," the club stated (AP News).

Upon his departure, Rooney expressed gratitude to the club's board, staff, players, and fans, stating, "Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart." He thanked the supporters for their ongoing loyalty and emphasized his hopes for the club's future success (BBC Sport).

Previously, Rooney has faced similar challenges, having been sacked by Birmingham City after a brief and unsuccessful term. His time at Plymouth was marked by struggles, which saw the team score the fewest goals and concede the most in the league. This alarming defensive record means that Plymouth became the first Championship team in 2023-24 to concede 50 goals in such quantity (BBC Sport).

With Rooney's exit, the club now seeks to appoint its third permanent manager in less than a year. Assistant coaches Kevin Nancekivell and Joe Edwards have been placed in charge temporarily as they prepare for a critical match against Bristol City. The club faces an uphill battle to stave off relegation, but with only 18 points this season, the urgency for change has never been greater.

Rooney's departure marks the ninth managerial change in the Championship this season, a sign of the fierce competition and high stakes involved in maintaining a foothold in one of the league's most challenging environments.

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