Former Millwall boss Neil Harris up against ex Sunderland and Stoke City men for immediate Championship return

Former Millwall head coach Neil Harris has emerged as an early contender to take over from Wayne Rooney at Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle after the Pilgrims agreed to part ways with the Manchester United legend following a dismal run of results.

Plymouth Argyle sit bottom of the second tier with just 18 points from their opening 23 matches, already five points adrift of safety. A statement from the club on Tuesday confirmed a 'mutual' decision rather than a sacking.

The post on the Plymouth Argyle website read: "We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future. The club will be making no further comment at this stage with updates on our new first team management staff in due course."

Neil Harris among contenders for Pilgrims job

The Championship outfit now enter the New Year on the hunt for a new manager to help kickstart a fight for survival. Former Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City boss Steven Schumacher has emerged as an early frontrunner for the opening.

The 40-year-old has been out of work since being dismissed by the Potters in September. Schumacher spent two years in charge at Plymouth Argyle between 2021 and 2023, achieving promotion to the Championship as League One winners in 2023.

Ryan Lowe is another former Plymouth boss linked with the vacancy, following his sudden departure from Preston North End after just one game of the season in August. Ex Sunderland and Middlesbrough man Tony Mowbray is also linked with a return to the dugout in what would be a first post since his battle with bowel cancer.

Harris is a more distant contender for the Home Park position but is another coach touted to be a potential candidate. The 47-year-old quit his role at Millwall earlier this month in a bombshell decision that came out of the blue following a decent start to the Championship campaign.

That decision came in a week after the coach branded a certain section of supporters as 'thickos'. Harris has since been replaced by Alex Neil, who will take charge of his first game as Lions boss against Oxford United on New Year's Day.

Wayne Rooney sends Plymouth Argyle parting message

Rooney's fourth managerial stint lasted just even months, having arrived at Plymouth Argyle at the end of May. The former Premier League striker won just five of his 25 fixtures in charge.

He told the club today: “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.”