Wayne Rooney's sacking as Plymouth boss has created further embarrassment for the Championship club, with the former Man United and England captain featured as the January cover star for their 2025 calendar.
Rooney was sacked on Tuesday after just 25 games in charge, with the club in free fall and at the bottom of the Championship.
The 39-year-old will return to his wife and children in Cheshire after another disastrous spell in management ended after just seven months.
In a statement he thanked the club for giving him the job in May, stating that Argyle will always have “a special place in my heart” and that he and the fans will have “memories that we will share forever.”
Plymouth fans could be in for a surprise on Wednesday if they have purchased the club's official 2025 calendar, with Rooney's image having been chosen for the month of January.
Fans reacted on social media, acknowledging the awkwardness of their now-former manager's appearance.
Sacked Plymouth manager Wayne Rooney is the January poster for the club's 2025 calendar
Fans noted the awkwardness of Rooney's inclusion following his dismissal as manager.
The calendar is currently on sale for £4.50 before the start of the New Year.
The Plymouth calendar was originally priced at £8.99 but has now gone on sale for £4.50 ahead of the New Year.
The club's website had noted the possibility of changes that could affect the accuracy of the calendar during the year.
“While every effort is made to ensure that the players and information included in this schedule are correct and accurate at the time of publication, Plymouth Argyle cannot be held responsible for any changes arising from activity in the match windows. transfer nor of errors or omissions,' the website noted.
Rooney managed 25 games in all competitions at Plymouth, and his team only recorded five wins.
His dismissal is another blow to a faltering managerial career, after he was sacked as Birmingham manager on January 2 after a disastrous 15-match spell in charge.
Rooney took a moment to thank Plymouth fans for their support during his time at the club.
Departing Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip, with whom I shared excellent relationships.”
“Thank you also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, to the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as head coach and I wish them all the best for the future.
Rooney leaves Plymouth bottom of the Championship table after dismal run
'To the Green Army, thank you for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories we will share forever.
'I would also like to make a special mention of my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.
“Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart and I will remain attentive and interested in their results.”
Plymouth currently sit bottom of the Championship with four wins this season, and the Pilgrims have suffered 13 league defeats.
“Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and manager Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect,” read a club statement.
'Leaving the club with Rooney will be assistant coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland.
“We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them the best for the future.”
Rooney has been living in a luxury rented apartment in the Devon town since taking over as head coach of the club this summer, as he looked to rebuild his coaching career.
Plymouth are currently bottom of the Championship with four league wins so far this season.
His sacking will deal a blow to the former England captain's managerial ambitions.
While their loft-style apartment is luxurious and comfortable, it is a far cry from Rooney's six-bedroom £20 million Cheshire mansion, which features a billiards room, home cinema, indoor swimming pool, underground spa, a warehouse and a stable area. with space for 14 horses and a soccer field.
Outside of training camp, Rooney has been regularly seen on nights out on the town, even singing Ed Sheeran songs during a karaoke night at the Cider Press bar in August.
But his “single lifestyle” hundreds of miles from home has also caused concern for those close to him, including his wife Coleen.
Rooney responded on Monday to speculation suggesting he had brought a mystery woman to his luxury apartment, insisting it is “simply not true” that she went in alone.