“He’s Going To Be As Good…” – Former Plymouth Argyle Boss Makes Bold 38 Year Old outstanding New Manage Claims

“He’s Going To Be As Good…” – Former Plymouth Argyle Boss Makes Bold 38 Year Old outstanding New Manage Claims

Former Plymouth Argyle manager Ian Holloway believes Wayne Rooney will be as good a manager as he was a player and has urged Birmingham City to give the ex-England international time.

The 38-year-old replaced John Eustace in October with the Blues sitting sixth in the Championship table. It was a decision that was met with heavy criticism from fans and the media alike, especially because the West Midlands side were enjoying their best start to a campaign in several years.

Rooney has overseen just two wins in 11 league outings so far, leading to question marks over his appointment. However, he is said to retain the full support of the club’s American owners and will be given the opportunity to bring in fresh faces once the transfer window opens next month.

Manchester United’s record goalscorer has been praised in some departments for his willingness to stick to his guns. It is a view shared by Holloway, who revealed that Hull City boss Liam Rosenior was full of admiration for his Championship counterpart:

“I’ve heard an awful lot about Wayne Rooney. I had the privilege of talking to Liam Rosenior and how he spoke about Wayne was quite amazing, honestly,” Holloway told Genting Casino.

“The empathy that he’s got (is impressive). It’s unusual for someone as good as Wayne because normally they’re asking you to be as good as them. Wayne is apparently not like that, he’s got so much empathy. It’s not how the media perceive him to be.”

Continuing, the 60-year-old believes that Birmingham’s slump was to be expected, although it could be a case of short-term pain for long-term gain due to the relationship Eustace held with the current squad:

“It’s just awkward how he got the job and the time he got it. Eustace was doing so well and it was unusual for Birmingham to make a decision like that. Obviously, they have lofty ambitions.

“It was a big shock to the players. If you’re in the top six, you don’t expect your manager to get the sack if he’s earned his stripes and is doing the job brilliantly. But, when ownership changes, they usually want their own man. It was a little bit strange.”

Rooney was known as one of the best players that England has ever produced, certainly in the modern era. Holloway went on to claim that he could also be just as good a manager if given the time:

“Give Wayne Rooney time, it’s just been awkward for the players. I believe in Wayne, I think he’s going to be as good a manager as he was a player. It’s just a slightly odd scenario.”

Birmingham travel to Plymouth on Saturday with the two teams level on points. The Pilgrims currently sit a place higher in 16th on goal difference, although they will head into the clash managerless after Steven Schumacher decided to take the vacant position at Stoke City earlier this week.

Despite his praise for Rooney, the ex-Plymouth boss believes his former side will prove too strong this weekend:

“Moving on to Plymouth, Steven Schumacher is an absolutely fantastic coach and he’s taken the Stoke job, but he should have stayed with the Green Army!

“The pitch is fantastic, Home Park is a wonderful ground. He didn’t need to look anywhere else, you can do it at that wonderful club, he should have kept going. It was brilliant what he was doing, I really liked him.

“I think it will end in a Plymouth win with the odd goal. Plymouth 2-1 Birmingham.”

Writer’s View
Claiming that Wayne Rooney will be just as good a manager as he was a player is high praise indeed, but it seems to be a common theme amongst professionals that the Premier League legend has a long career in front of him.

The Birmingham hierarchy will know that they are under pressure for this appointment to work and they will still hold full belief that it is a gamble that will pay off in the long run. However, results do need to change, although last week’s win against Cardiff City and the impressive performance they put in against champions-elect Leicester City on Monday did showcase some glimpses that things are beginning to change.