Plymouth Argyle chairman Simon Hallett admitted the board are feeling the pressure following a recent run of poor form but insisted there are “no conversations” around sacking manager Wayne Rooney.
Argyle slipped to 21st in the Championship following Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Bristol City, a result that came four days after a 6-1 mauling at Norwich City.
Rooney’s men have won one of their last nine league games with their away form of particular concern. The Pilgrims have mustered just two points on the road this season and, in addition to the two heavy defeats over the past week, have also lost to Sheffield Wednesday (4-0), Cardiff City (5-0) and Leeds (3-0).
Former England striker Rooney took over at Home Park in May and Hallett offered him a vote of confidence at a fans’ forum last night.
He said: “We are all feeling the pressure – the fans are feeling the pressure, the board is feeling the pressure, and Wayne is feeling the pressure.
“What we are going to do is not think about getting rid of him and changing him. We are thinking about how we can support him. So there are no conversations going on about replacing Wayne but there are conversations going on about how we can support him to help him become the great coach that we think is in there.”
Wayne Rooney’s reaction to today’s defeat.
In partnership with @TheTurmericCo.
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) November 30, 2024
Rooney’s patience with his players snapped following the defeat at Ashton Gate at the weekend. He described the performance as “embarrassing” and claimed they were “not representing this club in the right way.”
Plymouth now face two crucial home games – at home to Oxford United on Saturday before taking on Swansea City next Tuesday.