Wayne Rooney’s appointment as Plymouth manager is expected to be ratified within the next 24 hours, with the former England captain signing a three-year deal. Rooney is determined to repair his managerial reputation after a disastrous spell in charge of Birmingham City, who were relegated to League One earlier this month.
The 38-year-old is set to return to the Championship with Plymouth following productive talks with the club’s director of football Neil Dewsnip. Dusnip maintains good relations. Dusnip was the Devon club’s caretaker boss at the end of the season and had been in charge of Everton’s academy before teenage Rooney broke into the first team.
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Rooney has not left the dugout since being sacked by Birmingham City in January, 83 days into his contract with Birmingham City. He is believed to have turned down offers to coach abroad since leaving St Andrews but is excited at the prospect of reviving Plymouth, who avoided relegation at the expense of Birmingham City on the final day of the season.
Argyle also held discussions with former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom about taking over from former England Under-20s boss Ian Foster before Rooney emerged as their preferred candidate. Rooney has also previously managed D.C. United and Derby County, where he worked alongside Peter Shuttleworth, who is expected to join the coaching staff at Plymouth. Plymouth’s long-serving coach Kevin Nanskivel is expected to stay on.
In February, Rooney highlighted his desire to return to management. He said: “What happened at Birmingham was a setback but I’m a fighter and I want to get back on the pitch. As a manager you know [being sacked] It’s part of the job, you’re going to have setbacks. It’s about how you bounce back. I took some time to reflect and make sure I get it right next time.
