Wayne Rooney set for return to management in England as former Everton chief wades in | Football | Sport

Wayne Rooney is reportedly in talks with Plymouth Argyle about a return to management, with one former Everton chief instrumental in the move.

The ex-Manchester United ace has been out of work since being sacked by Birmingham City earlier this year following a dismal run of two victories from 15 outings.

It came following Rooney’s return to English football, having spent two years in charge of Derby County prior to a stint in Major League Soccer with D.C. United.

And according to The Telegraph, Rooney could be appointed as the new Plymouth boss in the coming weeks, with Argyle said to be negotiating with the former England captain.

The side from Devon are on the lookout for a new gaffer after sacking Ian Foster in April, just three months after the former England under-20s manager took charge.

Rooney does boast an existing relationship with one of Plymouth’s bigwigs, as the director of football at Argyle, Neil Dewsnip, was head of the Everton academy when the Liverpool-born ace was honing his skills.

The two have reportedly stayed close ever since, with Dewsnip the man responsible for driving the potential managerial appointment.

Rooney isn’t the only man on Plymouth’s shortlist though, with the report suggesting ex-Sheffield United chief Paul Heckingbottom was interviewed earlier this week.

But it’s no surprise Rooney is angling to get back into management, given he spoke about his desire to do so shortly after being sacked by Birmingham.

Commenting in February, Rooney said: “I definitely want to get back into management. It was a setback what happened at Birmingham but I’m a fighter and I want to get back into it.

“You know as a manager [being sacked] is part of the job and you will have setbacks. It’s about how you bounce back. I’ve had some good time to reflect and will make sure I get it right next time.”

If Rooney is hired as Plymouth’s manager he’ll face a tough test next season, with the Pilgrims already one of the favourites to go down.

The Home Park outfit finished 21st in the Championship table last term, one point ahead of the relegation zone.