More than a coach - Plymouth owner reveals Wayne Rooney's quality that saved the club in his 7-month spell

More than a coach - Plymouth owner reveals Wayne Rooney's quality that saved the club in his 7-month spell

Hassan Abdulsalam 07:39 - 10.02.2025

Plymouth owner has praised Wayne Rooney's positive impact on the club

Plymouth owner Simon Hallett has spoken highly of Wayne Rooney's influence on the Championship club, highlighting the positive impact he had beyond just on-field results.

Despite a disappointing spell in charge, which saw Plymouth sit bottom of the Championship with only four league wins, Hallett remembers Rooney's seven-month tenure fondly.

Wayne Rooney

What Hallett said

The owner praised Rooney's efforts to unite the club, literally knocking down walls at the training ground to create open working spaces.

"Wayne literally knocked down walls," Hallett revealed in an interview with The Athletic.

He continued, "He had walls between various people in the football department removed, so they sat together.

Hallett also commended Rooney's interaction with fans, describing him as "wonderful around the club."

Wayne Rooney outlines conditions for his next managerial job after latest sacking
Wayne Rooney

He recalled an instance where Rooney willingly agreed to visit a local primary school, demonstrating his willingness to engage with the community.

The owner acknowledged that Rooney's celebrity status and past controversies might have led some to doubt his character, but Hallett insisted that the former England captain is "a very decent human being."

According to Hallett, Rooney's positive influence helped to stabilise the club during a tumultuous period.

"The impact he had saved the club from fraying," Hallett said, highlighting the importance of Rooney's contribution beyond just results on the pitch.

Rooney was appointed in May 2024 on a three-year deal, but the former Manchester United legend departed Plymouth after just seven months in January 2025.

Tags: