Plymouth Argyle are set to make a decision on Wayne Rooney’s future following the upcoming fixtures against Oxford United and Swansea City, according to journalist John Percy.
The Pilgrims find themselves in another battle for Championship survival and currently sit 21st in the table. Their 4-0 defeat against Bristol City at the weekend followed on from a 6-1 hammering at the hands of Norwich City, leaving them just two points above the drop zone.
Those losses have extended Plymouth’s winless streak to four, whilst they are also yet to win away from home so far this season. They have also conceded the most goals in the division, whilst also possessing the worst goal difference.
Rooney Appointment Coming To A Premature End?
Rooney returned to management following his disastrous spell in charge of Birmingham City in June, penning a three-year deal at Home Park. Chairman Simon Hallett stated at the time that he wasn’t expecting miracles from the former England international, setting a target of a finish ‘four or five places higher’ than their 21st-place finish last season.
The 39-year-old picked up his first win of the campaign with a 3-2 victory over Sunderland in September but has since just won just three more times. However, it is worth noting that their home form is excellent, with August’s 1-0 loss against Stoke City the only defeat in front of their own supporters.
That’s why the next two games are key. With their away form so poor, it is crucial that Plymouth get something out of the next two games, which are both at home. As a result, John Percy claims that Rooney is fighting for his job just six months after his appointment as head coach.
Writer’s View
There’s an argument to say we all saw this coming as soon as Rooney was announced in May. The Manchester United legend hasn’t had the greatest of successes since turning his hand to management, which is why it was such a shock to see him land a three-year deal at Home Park. However, Plymouth would be wrong to bite the bullet just yet. They are a club with one of the lowest budgets in the Championship and they are arguably exactly where they should be. Despite being so poor on the road, Rooney has built a team which is difficult to beat at home, and wins over Sunderland, Luton and Blackburn are not to be sniffed at. With that in mind, he derserves more time.
