HEAD coach Wayne Rooney left Plymouth today after seven months in the role, with the club rock-bottom of the Championship.

The 39-year-old arrived at Home Park in May, marking his return to management following previous spells in charge of Birmingham and Derby either side of a stint at Major League Soccer side DC United.

Rooney’s Pilgrims managed just four wins from 23 league games, the most recent of which was a 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Portsmouth on November 5.

His last game at the helm came on Sunday, when Argyle suffered their sixth defeat in seven games with a 2-0 loss at Oxford, and he departs with the club four points adrift of safety.

In a statement on the Plymouth website, Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with.

“Thanks 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 efforts and support during my time as head coach and I wish them all the best for the future.

“To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that 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 will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”

Assistant head coach Phelan, who was appointed on December 8, has also left the club along with coach Ireland.

Plymouth confirmed that first-team coach Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards will be in charge for today’s New Year’s Day clash with Bristol City.

A statement on the club website read: “Plymouth can confirm that the club and head coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.

“We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.

“The club will be making no further comment at this stage with updates on our new first-team management staff in due course.”