Why Would Plymouth appoint Wayne Rooney?

Plymouth Argyle’s decision to appoint Wayne Rooney as new head coach has certainly raised eyebrows.

🟢🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Official: Wayne Rooney is the new manager of Plymouth Argyle.

Agreement completed yesterday on three year contract. pic.twitter.com/qBO3577Zk7

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2024

However, in a world where Kompany is about to become Bayern Munich manager after relegation with Burnley, I don’t think this is a bad appointment for The Pilgrims.

It’s easy to make assumptions based on the Manchester United legend’s time at Birmingham City, where he lost nine of his fifteen games in charge. That being said, I think John Eustace was over-performing at St. Andrews with a below average squad.

To me, Rooney proved his managerial ability during his stint as Derby County boss. Rooney had been playing for the Rams for almost a year, and made the step up to head coach following Phillip Cocu’s departure.

The ex-England international steered the Rams clear from relegation in his first season, and was praised by media and fans alike for the job he did. However, in the following season Derby County went into administration and were heavily punished by the EFL.

Derby were given a 21 point deduction, over the course of the 21/22 season, and placed under a transfer embargo. This left Rooney, and his squad full of inexperienced players, a mountain to climb. Rooney and his team threw themselves at the challenge, and it nearly paid off.

His side bested eventual champions Fulham, they picked up other vital points here and there and it looked as if they may pull off the impossible. Despite Derby’s best efforts, they were ultimately condemned to relegation from the second tier with three games to play.

I think Rooney deserves nothing but credit for what he and his side achieved that year. If they hadn’t had a whopping 21 points deducted, they would’ve placed a respectable 17th position. The fight his side showed, and the way Rooney had his players fighting for the badge, is the sign of an excellent manager in my opinion.

Even though fans have scoffed at his appointment, If Rooney can rally his troops once more, Plymouth Argyle may have landed themselves a gem of a head coach.