Arrival of Wayne Rooney brings massive exposure to Devon football

The appointment of Wayne Rooney as the new Head Coach at Plymouth Argyle has already begun to reap rewards in the sense of massively increased exposure for football in Devon.

Within hours of Argyle confirming Rooney’s arrival at Home Park, the former England, Manchester United and Everton legend was appearing on the BBC as a pundit for the FA Cup Final.

And the first question asked was all about his new job at Argyle.

The beaming smile that accompanied his response told the full story of a manager incredibly excited to be given the chance to start a new success story with the Pilgrims.

After winning promotion to the Sky Bet Championship in the spring of 2023, Argyle enjoyed a fine first half to the campaign but were heavily rocked by the departure of manager Steven Schumacher to Stoke City.

His immediate successor was former England youth coach Ian Foster but a run of rough results, particularly at home, led to his dismissal after just three months, and it was the interim combination of Director of Football Neil Dewsnip and First-Team Coach Kevin Nancekivell that steered the club away from relegation on the final day of the season.

Dewsnip is believed to be a big factor in Rooney’s appointment, as he was part of the Everton Academy when the future England star was coming through the ranks at Goodison Park.

Rooney told the club website: “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 took his first steps into coaching at Derby County, where he performed superbly in extreme circumstances. The Rams were under severe financial constraints, placed with a transfer embargo and a punishing points penalty, but won huge plaudits for their performances under the guidance of a young manager.

It was then to the United States for a spell with D.C. United in the MLS and, most recently, a stint with Birmingham City. His playing credentials are globally recognised as one of the best, and it would be wonderful to see Rooney begin to emulate that success in the coaching world right here in Devon.

Argyle 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.”

Good luck and a warm Devon welcome to Wayne Rooney.