Wayne Rooney describes Derby County 'challenge' after landing Plymouth job

Wayne Rooney has landed his next managerial role as he has taken over at Championship club Plymouth Argyle.

The former Derby boss will face the Rams as a manger for the first time this season after spells at Birmingham City and DC United since leaving Pride Park.

Rooney’s time at DC United and Birmingham City both ended sooner than he would’ve liked and so the Plymouth role gives him a chance at a fresh start.

However, after getting the job, the former England and Manchester United star says that all of his managerial jobs have had their difficulties so far.

He said: “The clubs I've been at have all had challenges, administration with Derby, I went out to DC to experience something a little bit different, improve and develop, and I found my way here to Argyle and I feel I am the best shape I can be in.

"Since January I have had time to reflect on my previous job. Coming here last season with Birmingham, I was really impressed with the fans and the set-up so once this role was available I really wanted to explore it.”

Rooney lasted less than three months at Birmingham after his side won just two games in 15 matches and went from 6th in the Championship down to 20th.

He began his managerial career at Derby after Phillip Cocu was sacked whilst Rooney was in the Rams squad. He was given the job as a first step in his coaching journey and it began fairly well.

In his first season as Derby boss, Rooney guided the team to survival on the final day of the season keeping them in the second tier.

However, as the club was placed into administration the following year and docked 21 points by the EFL, Rooney could only help the Rams battle bravley against what was a seemingly inevitable relegation.

After Derby were relegated to League One, he left to join DC United as manager; whom he had played for before joining the Rams as a player. He lasted a year and a half, but then decided to leave after failing to make the playoffs for two straight seasons.

Rooney’s two spells at Birmingham and DC United have somewhat dented his reputation as a manager and so the Plymouth job could be exactly what he needs to kickstart his career.

He will be desperate for it to bring success as he has previously said that he wants to become Manchester United manager in the next 10 years - if he fails at Plymouth, this could become all but a dream.