Wayne Rooney's seven-month stint as Plymouth Argyle boss has come to an end, with the Championship outfit confirming his departure.

Rooney leaves the club marooned at the bottom of the table, with Plymouth having taken 18 points from their 23 league matches so far.

A return to the third tier of English football looks imminent for the Pilgrims, who were promoted as League One champions in 2022/23.

Rooney was appointed manager at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign but managed just five victories from his 25 matches in charge - a win percentage of just 20 per cent.

Confirming the news in a statement, Plymouth said: "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."

It had been Rooney's first job in English football since being sacked by Birmingham City in January 2024.

Commenting on his departure, Rooney told the official Plymouth 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."

Rooney left the club on the back of nine winless matches in a row - a run that included six defeats.

His last win in charge of Plymouth came in early November against Portsmouth, who currently sit just above Plymouth in the relegation zone.

Plymouth's first game following the ex-Manchester United man's sacking comes at home to Bristol City on New Year's Day.