David Wagner is not expected to replace Wayne Rooney at Plymouth (Image: Getty)
David Wagner has walked away from talks to replace at .
The former and manager was in the frame to take the reins at Home Park after Rooney left by mutual consent on New Year’s Eve. He was approached by Plymouth bosses earlier this week but Express Sport understands he is not interested in taking charge of the strugglers.
Wagner took Huddersfield to the for the first time in their history during a three-year stint at the club. He also led Norwich to the play-offs in his only full campaign at Carrow Road.
The Pilgrims could use a Championship specialist of Wagner’s standing as they bid to preserve their second-tier status. But their search for a new boss is now understood to be focused on other targets.
Finding a new manager is proving to be tricky business for Plymouth, who are stranded at the foot of the second tier after picking up only four wins in 25 matches.
Senior figures at the club have spoken to seven candidates – of which Wagner was one – as they bid to make an appointment before their FA Cup third-round clash at Brentford on Saturday. The likes of Steven Schumacher and Neil Harris have also been linked with the vacancy.
David Wagner led Huddersfield Town to the Premier League in 2017 (Image: Getty)
Kevin Nancekivell and Joe Edwards have been in temporary charge since Rooney’s departure. England’s former record goal-scorer had a tough spell on the south coast, which came a matter of months after a brief stint at Birmingham City.
Rooney has previously taken charge of Derby County and D.C. United, but none of his tenures have lasted more than two years. Plymouth fans began to turn on the 39-year-old after the 2-0 defeat at Oxford United, which proved to be his final game in charge.
But Rooney insisted he did not take it personally. “I think the criticism is normal with the results we’re going through,” he told Radio Devon. “You have to feel that you can turn it around.
“I understand, I’ve been there myself when I was young and I’ve been there as a fan when you want to see your team win. When you’re losing games as we’re losing them, that frustration is there so I get it. I understand how football works so all I can do is keep trying to work as hard as I can.”