Significant update emerges over Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle future after latest big defeat

Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney is fighting to keep his job after the Pilgrims’ latest heavy defeat, according to The Telegraph.

Plymouth Argyle were on the receiving end of another heavy away defeat at the weekend, losing 4-0 to Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

 

It rounded off a miserable week for the Pilgrims and their loyal away support. On Tuesday they were thrashed 6-1 at Carrow Road by Norwich City.

Argyle and head coach Wayne Rooney sit two points above the bottom three, 21st in the Championship table. There has been praise for Rooney for the work he has done since arriving in the summer but a persisting theme of big losses on the road has seen questions asked.

Now, according to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Rooney is under increasing pressure at Plymouth Argyle and is fighting to retain his position as head coach at Home Park.

It is said the next two games at home against Oxford United and Swansea City are viewed as pivotal for Rooney, who has warranted an element of sympathy given the numerous vital first-team players sidelined.

However, while those problems are recognised, there is growing concern over performances and the fan mood is souring after continued thrashings away from home.

 

Tough circumstances for Rooney

It has been easy for the football world to pile on Rooney throughout his managerial career to date. He was up against the odds at Derby County and struggled at Birmingham City before landing the Plymouth Argyle job.

 

The task at Home Park is a big one too. Many view their squad as one that would struggle to stay in the Championship, and that’s even before a host of key players were sidelined.

As such, there has been an element of sympathy for Rooney. There’s been promising signs for him with Argyle too, maintaining a great home record while playing out some close away games against tough opponents earlier in the season.

However, more recently, away form has been shocking. The Pilgrims’ persisting heavy defeats in the road has prompted a change in mood towards Rooney among supporters, and claims of increasing pressure on his position suggest that feeling is reflected at boardroom level somewhat.