Rooney recruits new number two at Home Park

Wayne Rooney has called upon the vast experience of Mike Phelan as his new assistant at Plymouth Argyle following the departure of predecessor Pete Shuttleworth for personal reasons.

Phelan, 62, will be assistant head coach to Rooney until the end of the season and a tremendous coup for the Pilgrims, bringing in a coach with such an impressive CV.

In two spells at Manchester United, Phelan worked for a total of nine years with the Red Devils, including a stint alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager regarded as the greatest in the history of British football.

Phelan also worked with Rooney during his time as a player for United and has further coaching experience with Blackpool, Norwich City and Hull City.

Argyle Head Coach Rooney told the club website: “I am sad to see Pete leave the club. He is someone I have worked with very closely throughout my managerial career having first met at Derby County and he has also been a close friend.

“Pete has some personal matters going on which is where his focus needs to be and we all completely respect that and have mutually decided to part ways.

“Mike is someone I know well having worked with him when I was a player at Manchester United and he has vast experience at the highest level of football.

“I am really pleased to bring him to Argyle and look forward to seeing him get to work immediately.”

Argyle Director of Football Neil Dewsnip added: “I want to thank Pete for all his support and efforts since joining Argyle in the summer.

“We are thrilled to bring in someone of Mike’s calibre so quickly as a replacement.

“He is one of the most experienced coaches around having worked with some of the best players in the world and obviously has a relationship with Wayne already from their time together at Manchester United.

“We look forward to seeing his work have an immediate impact on the group and hope his experience will provide the perfect support to Wayne as we head into a very busy period of fixtures.”