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Wayne Rooney’s Departure Sparks Changes
Plymouth Argyle has decided to halt production on a much-anticipated fly-on-the-wall documentary that was set to chronicle the club’s struggles in the Championship. This decision comes on the heels of Wayne Rooney’s departure from the club, which he left by mutual consent on New Year’s Day after a dismal run of just one win in 14 games.
Documentary Dreams Dashed
Filming for the documentary had begun in October, with hopes that it would capture the Pilgrims’ fight against relegation. The club aimed to sell the series to popular streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, which could have significantly raised both the club’s profile and its finances. However, following a 10-game winless streak and Rooney’s exit, club officials have opted to scrap the project, citing concerns that it may serve as a “distraction.”
Production Halted After Limited Footage
After filming just two games, production staff were instructed to “take a break.” Lorton Entertainment, the company behind the project, has connections to Rooney through co-owner Kenny Shepherd, who also represents the former England international. Despite the promising start, the combination of poor performance and management changes ultimately led to the decision to cease production.
Interim Management Stepping Up
In the wake of Rooney’s departure, long-time Argyle coach Kevin Nancekivell has stepped into the role of caretaker manager, supported by injured captain Joe Edwards. The duo managed to secure a 2-2 draw against Bristol City on New Year’s Day, and they are expected to lead the team into their upcoming Championship fixture against Stoke City.
Paying Tribute to Rooney
Following the match against Bristol City, Nancekivell expressed his sadness over Rooney’s exit. He shared insights into Rooney’s character, stating, “I’ve seen Wayne. He’s obviously disappointed and really sad. It’s a horrible time.” Nancekivell highlighted Rooney’s humility, stating that while many view him as a football legend, he is also a “super human being” who showed class in saying his goodbyes.
Who Will Take the Helm Next?
As Argyle searches for a new permanent manager, former boss Steven Schumacher, who left for Stoke City in December 2023, is currently the frontrunner for the role. Interestingly, Ryan Lowe, who succeeded Schumacher and departed for Preston, is also in the running, making for an intriguing managerial landscape.
Rooney’s Next Steps in the Spotlight
As for Rooney, he is expected to transition back into punditry work. A source from the television industry noted that Rooney is highly regarded as a pundit, with Sky showing interest in securing him for a long-term deal. Despite the tumultuous end to his managerial stint, Rooney’s knowledge of the game and natural presence in front of the camera may pave the way for a successful career in broadcasting.
A Future in Punditry or Management?
While Rooney still harbours ambitions of becoming a successful manager, the path taken by figures like Gary Neville suggests that a lucrative career in punditry may be more attainable. With interest already brewing, it seems Rooney’s football journey is far from over, even if it takes a different form.
As Plymouth Argyle navigates this challenging period, fans and followers will be keen to see how the club rebounds and who will ultimately take charge in the coming weeks. The documentary may be off the table, but the story of the Pilgrims is far from finished.
