Wayne Rooney lands new manager job after Birmingham exit

Wayne Rooney has landed a new manager job, signing on with Championship side Plymouth Argyle on a three-year contract.

The Manchester United legend has been out of work since leaving Birmingham City in January 2024. His former employers ended up being relegated from the Championship, finishing one point behind Rooney’s new club.

Rooney’s stint with Birmingham proved controversial. He replaced former boss John Eustace in October 2023, with the club sitting sixth in the standings, but won just two of 15 games and was relieved of his duties in January, having seen the team tumble into a relegation battle from which they would not emerge.

It is his third job in English football after spells with both Birmingham and Derby County, either side of a period in Major League Soccer with D.C. United.

Throughout his career, Rooney has led 152 games and overseen a total of 41 wins and 73 defeats.

Rooney’s spell with Birmingham ended in disaster / George Wood/GettyImages

“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,” Rooney said.

“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.”