Rooney’s Plymouth reign starts with Wednesday woe
Wayne Rooney endured a miserable return to management as his Plymouth side slumped to a 4-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.
Rooney, the former England and Manchester United star, is back in a manager’s role after an ill-fated spell in charge of Birmingham ended in the sack in January,
But he faces a tough task on the evidence of Plymouth’s performance in the Championship – English soccer’s second tier – on Sunday.
Debutant Jamal Lowe’s first-half close-range finish, Brendan Galloway’s unfortunate own goal and late efforts from Josh Windass and substitute Michael Smith consigned the Pilgrims to a disappointing defeat.
Rooney said afterwards: “I’m disappointed, angry, surprised. I think from everything we’ve seen from the players throughout pre-season today was a surprise to me.
“We knew it was important to try and get through the first 20 minutes and then try and get some composure and some calmness to the game, and we didn’t manage to do that.”
In his post-match interview with a local BBC radio station, he added: “I think the basics of the game today was not good enough and for me that’s not acceptable. Whether that’s getting to the ball, tackling, being aggressive and staying with runners.
“It was four goals from crosses and cutbacks, which we worked a lot on throughout the week, so I’m really disappointed.”
Online reaction from supporters would have made grim reading for Rooney.
One said: “Rooney got to be up there as one of the worst managers in EFL history, 3 clubs, 3 relegations and a good chance to make that 4 out of 4.”
Another added: “Wayne Rooney is the worst manager in the EFL and probably National League. Absolute DROSS.”
And still it came: “How does Rooney still get a job as a manager, he’s awful,” said one, with another post reading: “Already wondering how long Rooney will be at Plymouth this season. They’ve been awful in this game.”
Argyle and Wednesday both guaranteed Championship survival on the final day last season, but while the Owls picked up where they left off after winning four and drawing two of their final six games, Rooney’s side offered little.
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