Wayne Rooney: Where did it go wrong at Plymouth Argyle for the former Manchester United and England striker?

There are some mitigating factors in Rooney’s death at Plymouth – some avoidable, some not.

As head coach, rather than manager, he cannot be responsible for transfers, although his reputation in the game has played a part in some players choosing to join.

However, it is clear that signing experienced Iceland defender Victor Palsson – who played under Rooney at DC United – is what he is pushing for.

The former Liverpool academy player made just eight appearances under Rooney, struggling with form and injury, and as the January transfer window opened it did not inspire confidence in his eye for a player.

“To be fair to Wayne, he’s dealt a tough hand – we have the smallest budget in the division, we’re a small fish in a very big pond, we’re always punching above our weight and he has to come in and succeed,” Bell said.

“I feel for Wayne because it’s a tough job – it’s tough to try and keep Plymouth Argyle in the Championship. We did it by the skin of our teeth last year and unfortunately, as much as I’d like it to be easier. ​​​​​​​time. , I think we should do it again this year.”

One thing Rooney can’t really blame is Argyle’s devastating injury list.

He is no longer the backbone of his team, including captain Joe Edwards – now caretaker manager – on-loan Toulouse livewire Ibrahim Cissoko and Morgan Whittaker, who scored 20 goals last season and was the subject of a multimillion-pound bid from Italian giants Lazio. in January.

It meant 16-year-old academy product Tegan Finn had to start in their 4-0 defeat at Coventry on Boxing Day.

“Unfortunately, despite having an injury listed at anyone’s arm’s length, it didn’t work out for Wayne and the time had to come.

“A lot of people in Wayne’s defense are asking: ‘Who could do better?'”

“The simple truth is we don’t know, only now will we find out.”