It is reported by PA news agency sources that former England captain Wayne Rooney is close to making a return to management with Sky Bet Championship side Plymouth. The 38-year-old has agreed to terms with the club and is expected to sign a three-year deal over the weekend.
Plymouth’s director of football, Neil Dewsnip, has a history with Rooney from their time at Everton’s Academy where Dewsnip was the boss. Rooney emerged as a teenager under Dewsnip’s guidance, and now they are set to reunite at Plymouth.
Rooney’s last managerial stint was at Birmingham where he was in charge for just 15 games before being sacked in January. With only two wins during his time at Birmingham, Rooney has been eager to get back into management. Prior to his time at Birmingham, Rooney managed at Derby and also had a stint in the United States with MLS side DC United.
Plymouth had a recent coaching change in April when Ian Foster was let go, just three months after replacing Steven Schumacher. At the time of Foster’s departure, Plymouth were in a precarious position just above the relegation zone. Dewsnip and first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell managed to steer the team to safety with three wins in their last six games, including a crucial final-day victory over Hull that secured their Championship status for next season.
