Wayne Rooney's dismissal seems to have sparked something at Plymouth Argyle. Since the former England international was let go late last year, the Championship's bottom club has not lost a single match. On Saturday, The Pilgrims even pulled off an upset against Brentford in the FA Cup, earning them a home clash against Arne Slot's Liverpool in the next round.
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It was a rare bright spot in what has been an otherwise dismal season for Plymouth Argyle, a club steeped in tradition but currently enduring one of the toughest campaigns in its history.
The team from the southern English port city had struggled mightily under Wayne Rooney's leadership, winning just one of their first 20 league matches this season. During a disastrous stretch in December, Plymouth lost six of their final seven games under the former England and Manchester United star, plunging to the bottom of the Championship standings. Relegation to League One, a fate they had fought hard to avoid in recent years, appeared inevitable. Fans were despondent, and the mood around Home Park was one of resignation and gloom.
However, as so often happens in football, fortunes can change in unexpected ways. Rooney's departure, painful as it was for many who admired his commitment and ambition, seems to have sparked a revival. Since interim manager Kevin Nancekivell stepped in, The Greens have shown a resilience and fighting spirit that had been absent for much of the campaign. After earning hard-fought points in the league against Bristol City and Stoke City, Plymouth pulled off the unthinkable on Saturday in the FA Cup. Traveling to face Brentford, a team flying high in the Premier League, Plymouth delivered a stunning 1-0 upset, courtesy of a late goal and some inspired defending. The result sent shockwaves through English football and gave Plymouth fans a reason to dream once more.
Former England goalkeeper Rob Green summed up the feelings of many when he reacted to the result on the BBC. "No one gave Plymouth a chance; these are the stories the FA Cup is all about," Green said. It was a classic underdog triumph, the kind of upset that has defined the magic of the competition for decades. For Plymouth, it wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement that, despite their struggles, they still have the belief and ability to compete.
The reasons behind Plymouth's sudden turnaround remain something of a mystery. Many have speculated about what changed after Rooney's departure. Interim coach Kevin Nancekivell offered his own perspective, suggesting that the players may have been motivated by guilt over their former manager’s dismissal. "The players probably feel a bit guilty after the manager’s departure, so they wanted to make things right after everything that has gone wrong this season," Nancekivell said after the Brentford victory. "In the last two matches, they’ve given their all, stuck to the plan, and defended well. You can see what’s possible with that kind of attitude."
Nancekivell, a familiar figure at Plymouth, has served the club in various coaching capacities over the years and has stepped in as interim manager multiple times. His calm demeanor and understanding of the club's culture have made him a steadying influence during turbulent times. While he may not be a long-term solution, his impact during this brief period cannot be overstated. Under his guidance, Plymouth have rediscovered the defensive discipline and collective spirit that had been sorely missing.
Interestingly, Wayne Rooney himself appears to have taken the team’s revival in stride. In a gracious social media post, he expressed happiness for the club and particularly for Nancekivell, acknowledging the interim manager’s dedication and years of service. "It’s great to see the team doing well," Rooney wrote. "Kevin is a top man and deserves all the credit he’s getting."
Despite Nancekivell’s success, Plymouth’s board decided to bring in Miron Muslic, a coach with a reputation for tactical innovation and an ability to work with limited resources. The Austrian will take charge of his first match on Tuesday against Oxford United and faces a daunting task in early February when Plymouth hosts Arne Slot’s Liverpool in the FA Cup. The match against Liverpool is not just a major test but also a chance for Plymouth to showcase their newfound resolve on a grand stage.
Looking ahead, the focus for Plymouth remains survival in the Championship. Nancekivell, ever the optimist, believes the team has what it takes to avoid relegation under Muslic’s leadership. "If we keep performing like this, there’s no reason why we can’t avoid relegation," he said. "I’m proud of everyone and happy for the fans this is a big day for us. The FA Cup brings a touch of romance, and we’ve written a small piece of history with this victory."
The Brentford upset has injected hope into what once seemed a lost cause. For Plymouth fans, the prospect of turning their season around no longer feels like an impossible dream. While the challenges ahead are immense, the team’s recent performances have shown that with determination and unity, they can defy the odds. The road to survival and a memorable FA Cup run may be long and arduous, but for now, Plymouth Argyle can bask in the glow of a triumph that has reignited their season.
Updated: 03:12, 13 Jan 2025
