Plymouth Argyle have sacked manager Wayne Rooney with the club bottom of the Championship after just one win in 14 games.
The former Manchester United and England striker oversaw just 25 matches on the south coast, lasting seven months in charge.
This is now the fourth managerial role Rooney has been sacked from after winning less than 30 per cent of his games in charge, having previously coached Derby County, DC United and Birmingham.
Derby were relegated to League One in his first full season in the Pride Park dugout, while his 15-game stint at Birmingham – in which the Blues won just two games – is credited as the catalyst of their shock demotion.
And Rooney leaves Plymouth four points from safety having conceded 10 more goals than any other Championship side, not helped by a 4-0 defeat to Frank Lampard’s Coventry on Boxing Day.
It is hard to see where his managerial career goes from here on the basis of the increasingly extensive evidence, but as much could have been said after he left St Andrew’s just shy of a year ago.
First team coach Kevin Nancekivell and captain Joe Edwards will oversee Plymouth’s match against Bristol City on New Year’s Day.
In a statement, Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with.
“Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as Head Coach and I wish them all the best for the future.
“To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever.
“I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.
“Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”
