Plymouth Argyle close to naming Wayne Rooney replacement

Hallett says hiring Rooney – who had had a poor spell in charge of Birmingham City prior to taking over at Argyle – was not about raising the club’s profile.

He says the former Everton and Manchester United star did much to unite the club after a difficult time at the back end of last season.

After Schumacher left for Stoke City, Argyle appointed former England youth coach Ian Foster as his replacement in January, but his time in charge saw the club slip into the relegation places before he was sacked.

Argyle survived on the final day of last season thanks to a 1-0 win over Hull City under the caretaker stewardship of director of football Neil Dewsnip and long-serving coach Kevin Nancekivell, who is again in interim charge.

Hallett has also confirmed that a documentary about the club and Rooney’s time in charge has been stopped – cameras had been following the 39-year-old and the club earlier in the season.

“Raising our profile was not one of the considerations in hiring Wayne Rooney,” Hallett added.

“We thought that he would be able to help us win football matches.

“During Wayne’s tenure as head coach, we saw glimpses of what was possible, but clearly both results and underlying performances were showing few signs of being at the level we need.

“We thank Wayne for what he did achieve in his months at the club. He united the players, helped restore a positive attitude at the club and won over the fans whose support had been tested for a few months in 2024.

“His approachable nature and down-to-earth personality made him a popular figure and we will miss him.”