Wayne Rooney is rebuilding his reputation in coaching circles at Plymouth, with the Manchester United icon nominated for a Manager of the Month award.
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Article continues below
Article continues below
- Ex-England captain flopped at St Andrew's
- Has delivered positive results with Pilgrims
- In contention to land notable individual prize
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The former England captain lasted just 83 days in his previous managerial role, with Tom Brady and the Birmingham board quickly calling time on a failed experiment during the 2023-24 campaign. Questions were asked at that point if Rooney was cut out for life in the dugout.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Plymouth offered him a route back into the Championship coaching game, with Rooney showing his full commitment to that role by moving to Devon without his wife Coleen and their four sons. A painful defeat on the opening weekend of the 2024-25 campaign led to more uncomfortable questions.
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WHAT THE EFL SAID
Rooney has overseen a reversal in fortune since then, with September seeing Plymouth pick up six points from three games. As a result, he is line for the Manager of the Month gong, with the saying of the 38-year-old’s efforts: “After a difficult start at Argyle, Rooney is winning over the Plymouth faithful with the 4-3-3 front foot style his team is playing. Two wins from three games each came with three goals against leaders Sunderland and newly relegated Luton.”
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WHAT NEXT?
Plymouth have picked up another win in October, as Rooney saw red during a 2-1 victory over Blackburn. When it comes to the September Manager of the Month gong, Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer is up against John Eustace of Blackburn – the man that he controversially replaced at Birmingham – Sheffield United coach Chris Wilder and Burnley boss Scott Parker.
