Plymouth Argyle chairman Simon Hallett has admitted the board are feeling the pressure after a recent run of poor form but insisted there are “no discussions” about sacking manager Wayne Rooney.
Argyle dropped to 21st in the Championship after Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Bristol City, a result which came four days after a 6-1 drubbing at Norwich City.
Rooney’s men have won one of their last nine league games with their away form of particular concern. The Pilgrims have picked up just two points on the road this season and, apart from the two heavy defeats last week, have also lost to Sheffield Wednesday (4-0), Cardiff City (5-0) and Leeds (3-0).
Former England striker Rooney took charge at Home Park in May and Hallett offered him a vote of confidence at a fans’ forum last night.
He said: “We all feel the pressure – the fans feel the pressure, the board feel the pressure and Wayne feels the pressure.
“What we’re going to do is not think about getting rid of him and changing him. We are thinking about how we can support him. So there are no discussions about replacing Wayne, but discussions about how we can support him to help him become the great coach that we think he is there.”
Wayne Rooney’s reaction to today’s defeat.
In collaboration with @TheTurmericCo.
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) November 30, 2024
Rooney’s patience with his players ran out after the defeat at Ashton Gate at the weekend. He described the performance as “disgraceful” and claimed they “didn’t represent this club in the right way”.
Plymouth now face two crucial home games – at home to Oxford United on Saturday before facing Swansea next Tuesday.
