Roon aims to bloom at Argyle

FORMER England captain Wayne Rooney has returned to management with Championship side Plymouth.

The 38-year-old, who left Birmingham in January after just 15 games in charge, has signed a three-year deal to become head coach at Argyle after seeing off strong competition for the position.

Former Manchester United hitman Rooney said: “Taking this role at Plymouth Argyle feels like the perfect next step in my career – and I would like to thank the chairman and board for the faith they have shown in me.

“This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project.

“I look forward to helping to build a squad of players to play expansive football – and to entertain the Green Army.

“I have experienced first-hand how talented the existing group of players is here – and also the incredible atmosphere at Home Park.

“I can’t wait for the Championship season to start in August.”

Argyle director of football Neil Dewsnip knows Rooney from his time as boss of Everton’s academy, from which the striker emerged as a teenager.

First-team coaches Kevin Nancekivell and Simon Ireland along with goalkeeping coach Darryl Flahavan will stay at the club, with further additions to be made in due course.

Plymouth chairman Simon Hallett said: “Throughout the interview process, Wayne showed himself to be a passionate, intelligent and knowledgeable candidate with an appetite to prove himself and develop his managerial career.

“His ambitions and aims match ours perfectly and we feel he is the perfect candidate to provide the exciting and attacking brand of football that we all like to see and help us achieve the club’s mission.”