Wayne Rooney's sacking as Plymouth boss has added further embarrassment to the Championship club, with the former Man United and England captain set to be on the cover of their 2025 calendar in January.
Rooney was sacked on Tuesday after just 25 games in charge, with the club in freefall and at rock bottom of the Championship.
The 39-year-old will return to his wife and children in Cheshire after another disastrous spell in management ended after just seven months.
In a statement he thanked the club for giving him the job in May, stating that Argyle would always have a 'special place in my heart' and that he and the fans would have 'memories that we will share forever' .
Plymouth fans are in for a shock on Wednesday after purchasing the club's official 2025 calendar, with Rooney's image chosen for the month of January.
Fans responded on social media, acknowledging their now ex-manager's awkward appearance.
The Plymouth calendar initially cost £8.99 but is now on sale ahead of the New Year for £4.50.
The club's website had highlighted the possibility of changes that could affect the accuracy of the calendar during the year.
'While every effort is made to ensure that the players and information contained in this calendar are correct and accurate at the time of going to press, Plymouth Argyle cannot be held responsible for any changes resulting from transfer window activity , nor for the omission of errors. ', the website said.
Rooney oversaw 25 games in all competitions for Plymouth, with his side recording just five wins.
His dismissal is another blow to a faltering managerial career after he was sacked as Birmingham manager on January 2 following a disastrous 15-game spell.
Rooney took a moment to thank Plymouth fans for their support during his time at the club.
The outgoing 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 with whom I have had a great relationship.
'Thank you 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 commitment and support during my time as Head Coach and I wish them all the best for the future.
'To the Green Army thank you for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories 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 have a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look forward to and be interested in their results.'
Plymouth currently sit bottom of the Championship with four wins this season, with the Pilgrims having suffered thirteen league defeats.
“Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and head coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect,” a club statement said.
'Departing with Rooney are assistant head coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland.
'We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them all the best for the future.'
Rooney has been living in a posh rental flat in the city of Devon since taking over as head coach of the club this summer as he tries to rebuild his managerial career.
Although his loft-style apartment is luxurious and comfortable, it is a far cry from Rooney's £20 million six-bedroom Cheshire mansion, which boasts a snooker room, home cinema, indoor pool, underground spa, wine cellar and stable area. with space for 14 horses and a football field.
Away from the training ground, Rooney was regularly spotted on nights out on the town, including singing Ed Sheeran songs during a karaoke night at the Cider Press bar in August.
But his 'bachelor lifestyle', hundreds of miles from home, is also reportedly causing concern among those close to him, including his wife Coleen.
Rooney responded on Monday to speculation suggesting he brought a mystery woman to his swanky flat, insisting it was 'simply not true' that she came in alone.
Comments