LONDON — Wayne Rooney has been dismissed from his position as head coach of Plymouth Argyle after a brief seven-month tenure, as the team continues to struggle in the Championship.

The former striker for England and Manchester United, aged 39, was appointed in May but leaves with Plymouth occupying the bottom spot in the English second tier. This season, the team has managed only four victories in 23 matches.

Rooney’s last outing in charge ended in a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Oxford United on Sunday, marking a nine-match winless streak for Argyle.

In an official statement, the club announced, “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and head coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect. We extend our gratitude to Wayne and his team for their hard work and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”

Previously, Rooney managed Birmingham City for a brief period of 83 days before the team was relegated from the Championship. He also had coaching stints at DC United in the MLS and Derby County.

Expressing his sentiments in the statement issued by the club, Rooney remarked, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth. I also extend my appreciation to all the staff who welcomed me and helped create a special atmosphere at the club, as well as to the players and fans for their efforts and support throughout my time as head coach. I wish everyone the very best moving forward.”

Rooney has had a prolific playing career, having secured five Premier League titles alongside a Champions League trophy. He is also recognized as England’s most capped outfield player, with 120 appearances to his name.

In the interim, assistant Kevin Nancekivell along with club captain Joe Edwards will guide Plymouth in their upcoming Championship match against Bristol City on Wednesday.