Plymouth Argyle have announced that they have "mutually parted ways" with head coach Wayne Rooney.
The Pilgrims made the decision to appoint the England legend in the summer, director of football Neil Dewsnip having known Rooney from their days at Everton.
Rooney initially made a positive impact at Home Park, collecting eight points from his opening seven Championship fixtures which included a dramatic win over long-term leaders Sunderland.
However, Plymouth have since prevailed in just one of their most recent 14 Championship fixtures, that being a 1-0 triumph over fellow strugglers Portsmouth.
On the back of Sunday's 2-0 reverse at Oxford United, the respective parties have agreed to go their separate ways after just 25 games with Plymouth sitting bottom of the Championship table, four points adrift of safety.
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What has Rooney said?
In an unusual move when announcing the departure of a head coach, Plymouth have published a lengthy statement from the 39-year-old.
It reads: "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."
![Wayne Rooney Manager of Plymouth Argyle thanks their fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth Argyle at Loftus Road Stadium, London, on 24 August 2024 [on August 25, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/34/wayne-rooney.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Wayne Rooney Manager of Plymouth Argyle thanks their fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth Argyle at Loftus Road Stadium, London, on 24 August 2024 [on August 25, 2024]")
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Is this the end of Rooney's managerial career?
Having impressed during a difficult period at Derby County, Rooney would have soon had the pick of his jobs at EFL level in 2022 had he not immediately returned to MLS club DC United in a managerial capacity.
At the time, there was logic behind the move, but Rooney has since taken charge of 93 matches for three different clubs - the other being Birmingham City - and won just 21 times.
In terms of management, the former Manchester United forward is at a young age, yet it is difficult to see where his next chance may arise, particularly in English football.
Darren Plant
