Wayne Rooney is set to embark on a new chapter in his managerial career as he prepares to lead Plymouth Argyle against Sheffield Wednesday in their opening match. Reflecting on his past experiences, Rooney expressed optimism and readiness for the challenges ahead.
Having taken the helm at Plymouth after a brief and disappointing stint at Birmingham City, where he managed for only 83 days, Rooney is keen to rebuild his reputation. “This is my fourth job as a manager, and I’ve gained quite a bit of experience over the past few years, both good and bad,” he told reporters. “I feel like I’m in the best possible place to manage Plymouth Argyle.”
The previous season was tough for Argyle, who finished 21st, narrowly escaping relegation. Rooney aims to improve on that performance, saying, “We certainly want to build on last season, but it’s not just about this year—we have a long-term plan for the club’s future.”
Underlining his desire to create a strong team environment, Rooney said, “Having a clear idea of where the club wants to go and the philosophy behind it has been refreshing.”
With the season quickly approaching, he acknowledges the need for improvements after the team’s struggles last year. “We’re still working on developing the squad,” he notes, while expressing confidence in his players.
Upcoming Debut and New Signings
Sunday’s match will serve as Rooney’s first true test since taking charge. He has also bolstered the squad with several new signings, including winger Ibrahim Cissoko, who joins on loan from Toulouse. “He is a player that will excite Argyle fans, and I know they will enjoy watching him play,” Rooney said of Cissoko, highlighting his athleticism and technical skills.
Alongside Cissoko, Argyle has secured loan deals for Darko Gyabi from Leeds and Muhamed Tijani from Slavia Prague, as well as adding full-back Nathanael Ogbeta on a free transfer after his exit from Swansea. Icelandic defender Victor Palsson also joins after leaving KAS Eupen.
Despite some high-profile departures, Argyle has retained last season’s player of the year, Morgan Whittaker, who scored 19 league goals and was named in the Championship team of the season. Rooney remains optimistic about Whittaker’s contributions amidst rumored transfer interest.
Setting Expectations
While there’s a sense of optimism, Rooney is mindful of managing expectations for his first season. “We understand it will be difficult to win the Championship,” he admitted. “We have realistic goals and know where we want to be in the coming years. Gradual improvement will help us reach those targets.”
Despite the challenges, Rooney’s excitement is palpable as he prepares to lead Argyle. “I think playing here for my first time as Argyle manager in front of our fans is going to be a special moment,” he concluded.
Credit: Sky Sports
