Wayne Rooney's hellish stint as Plymouth Argyle manager has come to an end, with the ex-Manchester United ace sacked by the Championship outfit.

He leaves the club after just 25 matches in charge, of which Rooney managed to inspire Plymouth to just five victories.

Rock bottom of the Championship table and starring a return to League One down the barrel, Plymouth will now look to resurrect their survival hopes with a new boss.

Following Rooney's departure from Plymouth, Express Sport have taken a look back at his nightmare seven months in charge.

Slamming own 'naive' players

Rooney was used to playing with the very best during his time as a professional, but the former England skipper didn't appear best pleased with the talent available to him while at Plymouth.

Speaking after a recent 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough - a match Plymouth led three times in - Rooney bemoaned the mentality of his Plymouth squad, dubbing them 'naive'.

He told BBC Radio Devon: "It's frustrating. Reflecting on the game I thought first half we were excellent, both in possession and out of possession. I thought we got the press right, nullified the way Middlesbrough wanted to play - they're a very good attacking team and very good at taking the ball and playing through the lines.

"We were unlucky to go into the break only 1-0 up, and then second half we concede early, Middlesbrough then started getting control of the game a bit. But we were still creating good chances and good opportunities to score, so I think based on chances alone we probably deserved to win the game.

"I'm a little bit disappointed we didn't do better for two of the three goals, I think we were a bit naive."

Touchline ban

Despite only being in charge for just over six months, Rooney was banned from the touchline for one match and handed a £5,000 fine.

It came after he was sent off during Plymouth's dramatic win over Blackburn Rovers in October for complaining about a referee decision late on in the game.

He admitted to the charges of improper conduct, as well as accepting he used improper, abusive or insulting words towards a match official.

Hitting back at fan criticism

Rooney wasn't afraid to reference the criticism thrown his way from the Plymouth faithful.

Speaking after what proved to be his final match in charge of the Pilgrims, the 39-year-old told BBC Radio Devon: "I think the criticism is normal with the results we're going through," Rooney told BBC Radio Devon.

"You have to feel that you can turn it around. I'm going to go back, watch the game back, evaluate the game and prepare for Bristol [City].

"I understand [the fans' reaction], I've been there myself when I was young and I've been there as a fan when you want to see your team win.

"When you're losing games as we're losing them, that frustration is there so I get it and I don't take it personally."

Plymouth sack statement

Plymouth confirmed the news that Rooney had been sacked via a statement on their website.

It read: "Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and head coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.

"Departing the club with Rooney will be assistant head coach Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland.

"First team coach Kevin Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards will lead the team for our Sky Bet Championship match against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. Daryl Flahavan will continue as goalkeeping coach.

"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.

Rooney's parting words

Commenting on his Home Park departure, Rooney told the club website: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, 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 Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”