Wayne Rooney reacts to confirmed Plymouth Argyle exit – ‘We had to part ways’
Wayne Rooney has said the departure of Plymouth Argyle assistant coach Pete Shuttleworth is down to a “personal decision”.
The Pilgrims head coach confirmed that Shuttleworth has left Argyle and that they had to “part ways” with the 45-year-old.
The Englishman will now have former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan as his deputy. Phelan spent nine years at Old Trafford, coaching Rooney during five of those years.
Rooney said told a press conference, via Sky Sports: “Obviously there’s not too much detail I can go into. Unfortunately it’s a personal decision from Pete’s point of view.
“Pete’s someone I respect greatly and is a great friend of mine as well, but unfortunately we had to part ways, and not from our point of view but from Pete’s point of view. He had some personal stuff he had to deal with, and that was the reason really.”
Wayne Rooney could be next to leave but Mike Phelan offers hope for Plymouth Argyle
Football Insider opinion
After a 4-0 thrashing at Bristol City on 30 November, it was claimed that Rooney had just two games to save his job as Plymouth manager.
However, the match against Oxford United was postponed due to Storm Darragh. They have a few extra days to prepare for their next challenge against Swansea.
After the postponement, fans joked that Wayne Rooney might fly out of the UK to visit his wife, Coleen, in Australia.
In reality, Mike Phelan brings much-needed support for the former England captain. His experience is invaluable, having helped Manchester United secure three Premier League titles, two League Cups, and reach two Champions League finals.
Still, the team’s performance remains poor. They have won just one of their last nine Championship games and suffered eight defeats in 10 away matches.
Rooney’s side has also gone winless in their last four league games. They sit in the relegation zone ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Swansea.
Phelan’s appointment suggests the club is backing Rooney and his recommendations at Home Park.
Argyle fans eagerly anticipate the club continuing this support into January, desperately seeking reinforcements to turn their season around.
In other news, Leeds are exploring the possibility to recall Darko Gyabi as a result of their injury crisis.
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