Wayne Rooney said he is excited to embark on a purposeful project with Plymouth Argyle and play "expansive football", a promise that echoes eerily to the one made upon joining Birmingham City . The former England captain was announced as the Pilgrims new head coach on Saturday, marking the 38-year-old's fourth stint in management since retirement, arriving after Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City. Rooney described the Plymouth job as the "perfect next step" in his managerial career, particularly after the chastening spell in charge of Birmingham.
The Blues were relegated to League One following Rooney's torrid 83-day reign, during which the team lost nine of his 15 league matches in charge before he was sacked. Meanwhile Plymouth Argyle, promoted from League One at the start of the season, finished 21st in the Championship table, securing safety on the final day of the season at the expense of Rooney's Blues courtesy of a 1-0 win against Hull City . Wayne Rooney returns to management as Man Utd icon named new Plymouth boss Ten Hag names 'best in the world' Man Utd star who can't play a full season Rooney will now take charge of the Pilgrims after expressing interest in the role following the exit of manager Ian Foster.
In a statement to the club's fans, Rooney said he looked forward to working with the club on their "progressive plan" and "helping to build a squad of players to play expansive football – and to entertain the Green Army." He added: “I have experien.