Rooney issues warning to players after heavy loss

Plymouth Argyle head coach Wayne Rooney says his players will not play again if they repeat their performance in their heavy opening day loss.

The Pilgrims were thrashed 4-0 at Sheffield Wednesday – and the Owls could have scored more – as Argyle failed to create a decent effort on target.

The loss came as the former England captain took charge of the club for the first time in his third role in charge of a second tier side.

“I’ve told them after the game if I see a performance like that again from any player – whether they’ve been at the club for a long time or whether they’ve just come into the club as a new player – they will not play,” Rooney told BBC Radio Devon.

“From my point of view you can lose football games, that happens, but you have to do the basics and you have to make sure you run and you tackle and you’re getting to the ball and that wasn’t there.

“The players know, they understand they have to be at it every game.”

Having been sacked as Birmingham City manager in early January after just two wins in 15 games, the pressure was on Rooney to show he can repeat the career he had as a player as a coach.

His side struggled to defend against a Sheffield Wednesday side that seemed to be able to attack at will.

Having already signed six players this season Rooney says he is open to adding to his squad but will not panic after their opening day drubbing.

“It’s the first game of the season and of course we’re disappointed,” Rooney said.

“But I don’t think it’s time to panic, I’ve seen the work we’ve done throughout the pre-season which gives me encouragement.

“If players become available who we feel can improve the team then of course we’ll look at that, but I don’t think we can start panic buying after one game.”

Rooney started Conor Hazard in goal with continued speculation linking popular homegrown goalkeeper Michael Cooper with a move away from the club.

The 24-year-old in in the final year of his contract and has rejected the offer of a new deal at Home Park.

“There’s a lot of speculation. I’m sure he’s aware of what’s happening and the bids we’re receiving and so I need players who are fully motivated and committed to play,” Rooney said.

When asked if Cooper will still be at Argyle after the transfer window he said: “I’ve no idea.

“I think as a football club we do need to make a decision and obviously the bids we’ve received are not the valuation.

“I think it’s really important for me to say I really want Michael to stay, I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.

“But I think sometimes it gets taken out of the manager’s hands as well in terms of what conversations have been had with Michael and the club.”