Wayne Rooney returns to management in shock appointment in the Championship

Wayne Rooney has returned to management in a shock appointment in the Championship.

Rooney has been out of management since his sacking at Birmingham City, who were eventually relegated from the Championship this season.

But the 38-year-old will return to the dugout for next season as he has been appointed by Plymouth Argyle.

The Championship side confirmed his arrival as head coach on social media, with the England legend replacing Ian Foster who was dismissed towards the end of last season.

✍️ We are delighted to announce the appointment of Wayne Rooney as our new Head Coach.

Welcome to Argyle, Wayne.#pafc

— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) May 25, 2024

In a statement, the Manchester United icon 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. The club is on an exciting long-term journey, with a progressive plan in place. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.

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

First-team coaches Kevin Nancekivell and Simon Ireland as well as goalkeeping coach Daryl Flahavan will form part of Rooney’s backroom staff, with further additions to be made in due course.

Plymouth chairman Simon Hallett added: "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.

"So much so, that he reached out to the Board when we started this process and was attracted by the project at hand and showed a real plan on how to lead the football club forward.

"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.

"We look forward to another exciting season of Championship football, and I welcome him to Argyle."

The Pilgrims narrowly avoided the drop from the Championship this season as they finished in 21st place in the league, one point above Birmingham.