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Enzo Maresca shared an advice to Chelsea star Cole Palmer as the England international looks to replicate his first season form at Stamford Bridge.

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Palmer scored 27 goals last seasonWas impressive against Wolves last weekendMaresca wants him to enjoy his footballWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international won over the Blues with his goal-scoring exploits as he netted 25 times in 45 appearances across all competitions following a shock move from Manchester City. He was called upon by Gareth Southgate to the England squad for the European championship where he further improved his burgeoning reputation with a goal in the final against Spain.

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Palmer has been impressive in the first two matches of the new Premier League campaign and played a key role in helping Chelsea thrash Wolves at Molineux with a goal and three assists. Although Maresca admitted that it is not an easy task to reach the same heights as last season, the manager wants the youngster to keep enjoying his football rather than succumbing to the pressure of the English top flight.

WHAT MARESCA SAID

"I’ve been very impressed with Cole, even though I have known him very well for many years," Maresca explained.

"It’s never easy to repeat the same numbers as last year in terms of goals and assists, but the most important thing for Cole is to enjoy football, relax and not feel pressure on his shoulders. He has to enjoy training every day and then the goals and assists will come for sure."

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WHAT NEXT FOR PALMER?

Palmer will be back in action on Sunday at Stamford Bridge against Crystal Palace where the 22-year-old will look to add to his season's tally and bring Chelsea back on the winning track after a shock loss to Servette in the Europa Conference League playoff.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been absolutely fantastic this campaign, with the Midlands side currently sitting in ninth place in the Premier League.

Gary O’Neil has done a remarkable job, leading the team up the table and matching last season’s point tally already.

What’s even more impressive is that he’s been able to get results with a rather thin squad, especially during spells without Pedro Neto, Hwang Hee-chan, and Matheus Cunha due to injury.

However, it’s important that the Wanderers strengthen their attacking options in the summer, with potential outgoings on the cards.

Wolves’ search for a new centre forward

According to journalist Mike McGrath, via The Telegraph, Wolves are interested in signing Che Adams in the summer.

The Scotland striker currently earns £32k-per-week at Southampton, but his contract is set to expire in the summer, which means Adams would become a free agent.

The report mentions that O’Neil’s side is currently leading the race to sign the former Birmingham City ace on a free transfer.

Wolves were already reportedly in the market for a striker in January after the exit of Sasa Kalajdzic on loan, and their search will continue to intensify.

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ByTom Lever Mar 24, 2024 Why Che Adams would be the perfect Hwang rival

Although Hwang has become the focal point of the Wolves team this season, scoring ten goals and providing three assists in 19 league starts, he isn’t exactly an out-and-out striker like Adams, with the current team not having a true centre forward.

The South Korean has featured as a left-winger, a right-winger, and a centre-forward this campaign already, and therefore, not only could the Saints star be a direct rival or replacement, but he could feature alongside Hwang in the starting lineup, giving the Wolves boss more tactical flexibility.

For Southampton this season, Adams has been brilliant considering the role he has taken up as more of a back-up than a consistent starter, which would most likely be the case once again if he were to move to Wolves.

The 27-year-old “clinical” finisher, as dubbed by journalist Brian Dick, has proven to score some important goals as his side look to return to the top-flight, boating the exact same record as Hwang, ten goals and three assists.

Goals

0.55

0.53

Shots total

3.10

2.03

Touches (Att pen)

5.04

4.28

Progressive passes

3.49

1.68

Passes into final third

1.99

0.79

Passes completed

18.87

19.03

However, as you can see from the table above showcasing their statistics from the past year, Adams seems to have a slightly different style of play from the former RB Leipzig player, with the Scotland marksman looking to drop deeper and progress the play.

As well as this, Adams takes more shots at goal and has more touches in the opposition penalty area, which proves he’s more of a presence in the box than Wolves’ number 11.

With Adams offering a slightly similar profile to Hwang, it would provide O’Neil with a different option in attack that they don’t currently have, with Cunha being classified as a similar player to Hwang by FBref.

Furthermore, the fact that Adams would arrive on a free transfer means that there’s minimal risk in the deal, if any at all, and if he can continue to perform how he has this campaign, he’d be a very smart acquisition.

Do Tottenham Hotspur supporters approach kitchen-sink time with greedy anticipation, confident that their side will find that late, all-changing goal to continue a promising campaign?

Ange Postecoglou has certainly inculcated a sense of belief, drive and determination that has seen Spurs find a big moment in late stages on numerous occasions.

It doesn't always work out, but against Luton Town on Saturday, skipper Heung-min Son popped up with a late strike to hand his side victory.

Despite the summer sale of Harry Kane, the London club have been impressive in attack, after their fashion, but seek further firepower to carry the revival into the forthcoming campaign and build upon a solid base.

Spurs eyeing summer signings

After observation, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will be of the opinion that improvements are required across multiple positions, and while Postecoglou has created an exciting attacking squadron, the anticipated return to European competition calls for depth.

As such, according to German outlet BILD – via Sport Witness – Spurs are attentive to Dani Olmo's situation with RB Leipzig, with the Spaniard's €60m (£51m) release clause active this summer.

Bryan Gil is expected to leave Postecoglou's squad this summer and Tottenham will hope that they will clinch Champions League qualification and entice Olmo to join, with Manchester City interested in the creative midfielder.

Dani Olmo's style of play

RB Leipzig have got a lot of talent in their ranks but currently sit in fifth place in the German Bundesliga, three points behind Borussia Dortmund in the top four.

Olmo is a talented and sought-after player but he has seen his progress across the past several seasons punctuated by interfering injuries, only starting 12 top-flight fixtures this term.

Still, as per Sofascore, he has created seven big chances this season to complement an impressive return of three goals and four assists, also averaging 1.3 key passes, 1.2 dribbles and 3.5 ball recoveries per game.

A versatile attacking midfielder and noted for his "magic" ability by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Olmo is capable on alternate flanks but finds his playmaking at its zenith when situated in the No. 10 spot, hailed for his "exceptional abilities" by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, formerly of Leipzig.

His multi-angled attacking approach is exactly what Tottenham need, offering a direct threat while supplementing his teammates, having clinched 28 goals and 33 assists for RB Leipzig in total.

Why Spurs are interested in Dani Olmo

Tottenham might already have an elite playmaker in James Maddison but Giovani Lo Celso will possibly leave the club this summer and is out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 campaign anyway, with little chance of a resolution.

As per FBref, Olmo ranks among the top 22% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for total shots and assists and the top 25% for interceptions per clearances per 90.

1.

Cole Palmer

Chelsea

2.

James Maddison

Tottenham Hotspur

3.

Alex Iwobi

Fulham

4.

Michael Olise

Crystal Palace

Olmo might not quite be sparkling right now but he's been inhibited by these niggling muscular issues; put those firmly behind him and he will no doubt return to the first-class form that has led to interest from some of Europe's heavyweights in the past.

His stylistic similarities to Maddison highlight the success that might be found in welcoming him to the fold, but perhaps more intriguing is the semblance with Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who signed for the Stamford Bridge side from Manchester City for an initial £40m on transfer deadline day last summer.

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Palmer ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 13% for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for pass completion and the top 10% for progressive passes per 90, showcasing his crisp passing and technical attributes that place him in the same bracket as Olmo, albeit performing at a far superior level right now.

He might not be playing his finest football right now, but what matters is that Olmo carries a protean threat with a natural flair and guile on the ball that would open up a dimension to this building Tottenham team.

He's not quite got the raw ball-delivering expertise of Maddison, nor has he the same lofty energy of Dejan Kulusevski – few do – but Olmo offers elite deftness in possession, dropping his shoulder and darting with a stag's gait through the lines.

Dynamic would be the apt phrasing: described as a "good finisher" by former La Masia coach Denis Silva Puig and well regarded for his mentality and lifting effect on his peers. Leipzig have won the past two DFB Pokal titles, with Olmo grabbing three goals and five assists from eight matches during this run.

Palmer too is tactically flexible and polished, complete, in his skill set. An attacking midfielder with much to prove after leaving Manchester City for struggling Chelsea, he has belied his age and inexperience to incredibly chalk up 16 goals and 12 assists from his opening 35 appearances as a Blue.

Chelsea have seen the impact of signing such a player, have drank from the cup of Palmer's prodigious quality, and while Mauricio Pochettino's side are struggling, Palmer certainly is not.

Postecoglou has the tactical wherewithal to make his move and bring Olmo to the club, offering an ostensibly higher calibre of football and a chance to take his promising career to the next level.

At £51m, it's a bit of a no-brainer. Manchester City might be interested but if the Lilywhites act incisively, Olmo will surely wind up down N17.

Shane Warne’s baggy green, which he put up for auction to raise funds for bushfire relief, has been bought by the Commonwealth Bank for over one million dollars.With minutes to go in the auction, the figure crossed into the million mark with the website listing an ‘MC’ from Sydney making the final bid of AUD1,007,500. It later emerged that MC stood for CBA chief executive Matt Comyn who said that the bank – who are one of Cricket Australia’s major partners – would take the baggy green on a tour around Australia to raise further money before putting it on display at the Bradman Museum in Bowral.”I am delighted that CBA has been able to secure Shane’s cherished baggy green cap,” Comyn said. “This has not only raised another $1 million for bushfire relief, it will also enable us to raise further funds for the bushfire appeal as the cap commences a fundraising tour across the country before retiring as a permanent exhibit at the Bradman Museum in Bowral to be enjoyed by all Australians and cricket fans.”I want to thank and commend Shane for giving up one of his most cherished possessions for such an important cause. He has demonstrated the same Aussie spirit we are seeing across the country with acts of generosity and dedication throughout this disaster as communities rally to support each other.”Moments after bidding closed, Warne tweeted: “Thank you so much to everyone that placed a bid & a huge Thank you / congrats to the successful bidder – you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations! The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal.” The auction was being held to raise funds for the bushfire appeal, with the disaster hitting large parts of Australia. In addition to Warne, another legendary former bowler has also put his baggy green up for auction in Jeff Thomson.The price for Warne’s cap is the highest ever bid for a baggy green, beating the AUD 425,000 that was bid for Don Bradman’s cap in January 2003.”The impact these devastating fires are having on so many people is unthinkable and has touched us all,” Warne said. “I hope my Baggy Green can raise some significant funds to help all those people who are in desperate need.”Warne, 50, is Australia’s most successful Test bowler with 708 wickets, and is commonly regarded as the game’s greatest ever legspinner.Thomson, 69, played 51 Tests for Australia from 1973 to 1985, taking 200 wickets, and was widely held to be the fastest bowler in the world. He will be auctioning his last remaining baggy green and his cricket vest. All funds raised through the auction of Thomson’s items will be donated to charities and fire services.”I don’t have much of my memorabilia left, so these two items are quite rare and special,” Thomson said. “It’s hard to say what these pieces may go for, but I just hope that they can raise some decent funds that will really make a difference for all of those in need right now.”There are also discussions taking place about the possibility of staging a bushfire relief match which could feature former stars including Warne.Cricket has launched a number of fund-raising initiatives for the bushfire appeal including players in the BBL donating money for sixes hit and wickets taken, signed shirts being auctioned off while the ODIs between Australia and New Zealand in March will be used for the appeal.

Even as Manchester United dramatically came from behind to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup quarter-finals, the issues in the squad were exposed for all to see, as Bruno Fernandes and Antony found themselves in a makeshift backline late in the game. That said, it's clear where the Red Devils' summer focus should be, and one man has already been linked with an Old Trafford switch as a result.

Man Utd transfer news

In the first transfer window under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United have the chance to prove that this truly is the beginning of a new era. They have the chance to finally get things right in the transfer market; the chance to finally turn around a sinking ship weighed down by past silverware towards fresh Premier League glory. And the rumour mill has already started on that front.

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Reports have so far linked United with the likes of Donyell Malen, Weston McKennie and Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz, who knows all about Manchester after his time at Manchester City. The rumours will only continue to pick up as the months go by too, as we start to see Ratcliffe's potential plan fall into place.

Included in that plan could also be some bargain deals. According to Graeme Bailey for HITC, Manchester United are eyeing a move to sign Tosin Adarabioyo, who is set to leave Fulham as a free agent at the end of the season. United will reportedly have to fend off as many as six other Premier League clubs to land the defender's signature, however, in a busy race this summer.

Those six other clubs are reportedly Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle United and West Ham United, highlighting just how many options Adarabioyo has to choose from. Given United's need for a central defender though, they will hope that Old Trafford is his next destination, despite being a former Manchester City academy player.

"Fast" Adarabioyo can replace Varane

With Raphael Varane's future still uncertain, Manchester United should welcome the idea of replacements, especially since the Frenchman is now 30-years-old and often struggling with injuries. And that's where Adarabioyo should come in for a bargain price.

The pending free agent has played a vital part in Marco Silva's side this season, helping the London club earn victories over the likes of Spurs, Arsenal and even Manchester United in what could prove to have been an audition at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, the stats suggest that he's more than kept up with Varane this season.

Stats (via FBref)

Tosin Adarabioyo

Raphael Varane

Progressive Passes

39

54

Tackles Won

10

10

Interceptions

18

14

Aerial Duels Won

45

21

What would make a deal for the 26-year-old even sweeter is that Pep Guardiola was once a fan, saying during Manchester City's pre-season in 2016: "We have to tell Tosin he has a lot of steps to get better, so it's not done, the player isn't done. But he has all the quality.

"He is fast, he is faster than the people can believe it. He's strong in the air. He has the quality to look behind the line for the next step, the next pass, but he has a lot of things to improve and I hope I can help him to develop his skills.”

After failing to reinforce the squad during the January transfer window, Newcastle United could be gearing up for a summer of big-money arrivals once again under PIF. The Magpies were fearful of breaching the Premier League's Financial Fair Play rules last month due to their reported losses of £155m, but when the summer window swings open, they may be in a position to spend again.

Newcastle transfer news

With the summer transfer window only a matter of months away, Newcastle's attention away from the action at St James' Park has turned towards reinforcements. Already, names such as Amadou Onana have been mentioned again, alongside Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly, who is set to be a free agent this summer upon the expiry of his current contract.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Magpies are keen to sign another top striker to compete with Alexander Isak and the injury-prone Callum Wilson, who has suffered another minor setback recently.

Given Wilson's increasing injury concerns, it's no surprise to see Newcastle linked with another forward. According to Calcio Mercato, Newcastle are in pole position to sign Albert Gudmundsson alongside fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, due to the lure of England's top flight and the duo's ability to meet higher salary demands.

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Genoa manager Alberto Gilardino refused to sell Gudmundsson in the January window, but a €35m (£30m) offer could see the forward depart in the summer, amid interest from the aforementioned English clubs and Serie A giants Juventus. After an impressive season in Italy, Gudmundsson may well have done enough to earn a big move.

"Devastating" Gudmundsson can replace Wilson

With Wilson now 31-years-old and struggling to stay fit for prolonged periods, it won't be long before Newcastle will be forced to find a replacement. And that's where Gudmundsson could come in for Eddie Howe. The Genoa forward has enjoyed an unbelievably clinical campaign in front of goal and, at 26-years-old, still has plenty of time to step things up even more, especially if he completes a move to the Premier League.

What stands out most from Gudmundsson's stats is his expected goals (xG). The Genoa man has overperformed his xG by nearly double, with nine goals from 4.6 expected, and he wasn't far off that sort of record last season either, nabbing 11 goals from 8.3 expected based on the quality of his chances. In fact, he ranks in the bottom one percent of players in Europe's big five leagues for non-penalty xG, but is in the 41st percentile for actually putting it in the net, suggesting his end product could explode in a superior team who create more chances.

The Newcastle target has also earned deserved praise from former AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, who told Il Secolo XIX via Football Italia: “They used to say that if Salah was more clinical, he would be playing for Liverpool, and that is exactly what happened. All joking aside, Gudmundsson is a devastating player and also an exemplary professional."

Persistent rain and a wet outfield at the Just Cricket Academy Ground on the outskirts of Bengaluru ensured that there was no play on the last three days

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Aug-2019

The first match of the Duleep Trophy 2019-20 between India Blue and India Green was abandoned without Blue completing their first innings after being put in to bat. Persistent rain and a wet outfield at the Just Cricket Academy Ground on the outskirts of Bengaluru ensured that there was no play on the last three days. Both Blue and Green got one point each.On a truncated first day, Blue had moved to a shaky 112 for 6 in 49 overs, but that was the only cricketing action in the match.Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been among the runs recently, top-scored with 30 off 63 balls. Ankit Bawne was unbeaten on 21, having faced 103 balls. For Green, Rajasthan left-arm seamer Tanveer Ul-Haq continued the form he had shown in the last season – which netted him 51 wickets in the Ranji Trophy – prising out the opening duo of Gaikwad and Snell Patel, while Ishan Porel, the 20-year old Bengal seamer, tore through the middle order.Porel’s first wicket was that of Blue captain Shubman Gill, who was coming into this match on the back of a rich vein of form with India A on their tour of West Indies, caught behind for just 6. He later got Anmolpreet Singh and Jalaj Saxena to end with 3 for 26.Ankit Rajpoot, who shared the new ball with Tanveer, took one wicket. The seamers bowled the majority of overs on the first day, and Rahul Chahar, fresh off a T20I debut for India, bowled just five overs with the conditions helping the quicker men.Blue will now take on India Red in the next match at Alur from August 23.

Tottenham are now said to be preparing a "shock" late January bid to sign one "very underrated" midfielder after falling short in a move for Kalvin Phillips.

Spurs linked with new midfield signing before 1st February

Following the arrivals of both Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin, a fair few reports have suggested that manager Ange Postecoglou is also keen on signing a new central midfielder.

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The Australian has little faith in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg given he's started just five Premier League games this season, and the former Southampton man would have arguably had fewer chances if it wasn't for injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations.

Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma have all been ahead of Hojbjerg in the pecking order, leading to repeated suggestions that he could well leave Spurs in favour of more game time.

If the 28-year-old does depart for pastures new after nearly four years in north London, Postecoglou wants a new midfield running man to replace him.

One man who's been heavily linked in this regard is Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, despite the 23-year-old now becoming a key player for arch-rivals Chelsea.

As we fast approach January deadline day, members of the media like journalist Darren Lewis have refused to rule out a Spurs move for the "very underrated" ace.

"I’m not sold on the idea that it would be impossible for him to come to Spurs and here’s why," said Lewis to the Last Word on Spurs podcast this week.

" I didn’t think Chelsea would sell Mason Mount to a rival, and they sold him to Man Utd for £60m. He was a poster boy for the academy, I just think as far as Gallagher is concerned there is that problem with PSR with Chelsea. I think he would be an excellent fit for Spurs, and working for a manager like Postecoglou who puts his arm around a player, I think Gallagher could really settle down."

Tottenham preparing "last-gasp" Gallagher bid

Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey have shared an update on the saga, claiming Tottenham are now readying a "last-gasp" and "shock" bid for Gallagher.

Talks have apparently been held between Spurs and Chelsea already, and while he is expected to cost a marquee fee, that hasn't stopped the Lilywhites from taking their chances.

This comes after "failing to sign [Kalvin] Phillips" from Man City, who's now put pen to paper on a loan move across London at West Ham.

Starting 20 league matches this season, Gallagher is currently their best-performing player by average match rating per 90 according to WhoScored, and is level with Cole Palmer in terms of Chelsea's highest number of assists.

Police were dispatched to secure ZC office in Harare, amid allegations by the SRC that the ousted board has instructed employees to stay away

Liam Brickhill27-Jun-2019

The power struggle in Zimbabwean cricket has raged on this week, with the police being dispatched to secure Zimbabwe Cricket’s office in Harare, amid allegations that ousted board chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has instructed ZC employees not to turn up for work.The suspension put in place by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) last week targeted only the board and acting managing director, and the SRC had hoped that unaffected ZC employees would return to work this week. This has not been the case, however, and Gerald Mlotshwa, the SRC chairman, has accused Mukuhlani of “sabotage” and of orchestrating the stay-away. The SRC is a government parastatal and the governing organisation of all registered sporting associations in the country”Staff are still not turning up for work in the expected numbers at ZC Headquarters despite the SRC, through the public media, encouraging all to return for work as usual,” Mlotshwa said yesterday.”It is clear that key staff are being intimidated about returning to work under the interim committee. I have a recorded conversation stating that guards at ZC premises were instructed by the ZC security manager to go home as there was ‘no work’, on Monday,” Mlotshwa added.Mlotshwa made the same allegations in a letter sent to ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney explaining the situation earlier this week. “This is happening at most of ZC premises, including Harare Sports Club, where the groundsmen reported that they had been told to go back home by the suspended ZC chairman until further notice,” Mlotshwa wrote. “There appears to be an orchestrated attempt to cause maximum confusion, fear and despondency within the employees of ZC, including the professional cricketers themselves.”Mlotshwa also explained that police had been dispatched to ZC’s headquarters “to ensure that no assets or other documents, especially of a financial nature, left the premises”.”This is in light of the impending forensic audit into the financial affairs of Zimbabwe Cricket over the years, including the manner in which public and International Cricket funds have been utilised,” Mlotshwa wrote. It is believed that the SRC is preparing to present the ICC with a formal dossier on the situation at ZC.”We believe that the concerns of SRC coincide with that of the ICC,” Mlotshwa’s letter continued. “Zimbabwe Cricket cannot continue to lurch from one controversy to another. It must all end and be resolved conclusively in the best interests of Zimbabwean cricket.”Amid all this, Mukuhlani has maintained that his board remain the legitimate ZC leadership despite the formation of an interim committee, headed by David Ellman-Brown, to run cricket in the country. Mukuhlani has also accused that Mlotshwa of having a “personal vendetta” against him.”In so far as we are concerned we are a legitimate board, we were properly elected through a proper electoral process,” Mukuhlani was quoted as saying by the newspaper.Mukuhlani denied allegations of financial malfeasance, saying: “Everyone at ZC is innocent until proven guilty.” He insisted that his board would not co-operate with a new audit into ZC finances until the results of a previous audit are received, accusing the SRC of having a “predetermined outcome” in mind.”That’s why they want a new audit and we are not going to accept that,” Mukuhlani said. “We will only accept an audit that comes from the ICC.”The suspended board members have taken their fight to the courts, filing an urgent application at the High Court and seeking a temporary suspension of the SRC’s decision, pending the outcome of an Administrative Court hearing.”Indeed, the suspended members of Zimbabwe Cricket, including the acting managing director Givemore Makoni, filed an appeal with the Administrative Court on the 24th of June 2019,” Mlotshwa explained.”I am glad that they are going to court, this is a correct and civilised way of dealing with grievances. Let’s let the court do its work and pronounce its verdict regarding the grievances of the suspended directors.”

Plymouth have revealed that Wayne Rooney won an 80-man race to become their new boss, with his passion shining through.

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• Ex-England star flopped at St Andrew's
• Lasted just 15 games in the West Midlands
• Back in Championship coaching with Pilgrims

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Manchester United and England legend is determined to make a name for himself in management, with his ultimate goal being to return to Old Trafford at some stage. His reputation took a serious hit when lasting just 15 games at Birmingham – with Tom Brady and the Blues board quickly deciding to bring that failed experiment to a close.

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  WHAT DEWSNIP SAID

  Rooney is now back in the Championship at Plymouth, having also worked at that level with Derby, and Pilgrims director Neil Dewsnip has told of bringing United’s all-time leading goalscorer on board: “Birmingham City didn’t go great for him but even Sir Alex Ferguson has experienced the sack at St. Mirren. What do they say? The path to success is not always a straight line? He’s had a bump in the road but at Derby he was up against the odds and did well while D.C United almost made the MLS play-offs. Knowing the kind of person he is he would have learned from all that. He will use that as incredible motivation.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dewsnip previously worked with Rooney during his time in Everton’s academy system and added on how and why the 38-year-old has been given another chance at Home Park: “Regarding the Plymouth job Wayne made the initial move that he wanted to be involved in the process of us looking for a head coach. We must have had around 80 showing an interest. We got it down to a smaller number and asked four to come for an interview. Wayne was one of them and deservedly won the day. He didn’t receive any favours. It came through very strongly that he was anxious to be actively involved again despite making a very favourable impression as a TV pundit. The desire was there. He has gone on record saying that one day he would like to become manager of Manchester United. In order to do that he convinced us he was full of enthusiasm and had fire in his belly to do the best he possibly can at Argyle. If he doesn’t then he won’t progress to his dream job.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY?

  Rooney has been appointed by Plymouth on a three-year contract, with his first task being to ensure that they remain in the second tier of English football. His vast experience will be put to good use there, with the plan being to quickly forget about the struggles that he endured at Birmingham.