Update: ‘I truly believe’ – Wayne Rooney in firing line as Plymouth boss makes feelings very clear News

After nearly four months since Wayne Rooney was sacked by Plymouth Argyle, his replacement Miron Muslic has given his thoughts on the current state of the club

Plymouth Argyle manager Miron Muslic believes the Pilgrims would be out of the relegation zone had he been in place from the start instead of Wayne Rooney. Despite recent triumphs over Norwich City, Sheffield United, and Coventry City at Home Park, Argyle remains rooted to the bottom of the table.

With just two games remaining, including an upcoming match against Preston North End on Saturday followed by an encounter with champions-elect Leeds United on May 3, victory is crucial if they are to evade dropping into League One. Muslic was appointed shortly after Rooney was sacked by the club on New Years Eve.

Plymouth were at the division’s base with a mere 18 points from 23 matches when the ex-United captain was given his marching orders. Muslic has since picked up 23 points out of the subsequent 19 games.

However, despite a run of four wins and one draw from their last eight fixtures, the upswing under Muslic has not sufficed to propel them completely clear of trouble. The Austrian offered his honest thoughts thought about what might have been, had he been in charge from the start of the season.

Reflecting on the team’s revival and the 3-1 win over Coventry on Easter Monday, Muslic said: “I think if I’m the head coach from day one we will be far, far away from the relegation zone.

“We would be safe five games ago already. I truly believe if I will be here with my staff from day one we will be nowhere near where we are right now.”

Rooney took up the reins at Home Park last summer, a matter of months after being sacked by Birmingham City. While in charge of the Midlanders, he oversaw a dire run which saw them record nine losses in 15 matches.

At Plymouth, things were not much better. His final match was a 2-0 away defeat to Oxford United, which saw them become the first Championship side to concede 50 goals in 20 matches since Rotherham in 2016-17. The writing was on the wall for him when travelling Plymouth fans were heard chanting: “We want Rooney out.”

His sacking was announced on New Years Eve, with the club languishing at the bottom of the Championship. When the news was released, 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 who I shared great relationships with.

“Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, 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.

“To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever. I would also like to give a special mention to 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 continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”

At present, Argyle are still bottom of the table, but they are only three points off safety. They are battling for survival against Luton Town, Cardiff City, Derby County and Hull City, who are all within reach of the Pilgrims.