Wayne Rooney: Plymouth boss reacts after some fans call for axe

Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney said he does not take criticism “personally” after his Pilgrims suffered another disappointing Championship defeat.

Rooney’s Argyle sit bottom of the table, four points from safety, and have failed to win any of their past nine games, losing six of them.

Pressure is building on the former Manchester United and England forward after visiting fans booed him and his players after a 2-0 defeat at Oxford on Sunday.

“I think the criticism is normal with the results we’re going through,” Rooney told BBC Radio Devon.

“You have to feel that you can turn it around. I’m going to go back, watch the game back, evaluate the game and prepare for Bristol [City].

“I understand [the fans’ reaction], 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 and I don’t take it personally.”

Plymouth have lost four of their past five games under Rooney and during Sunday’s defeat some travelling Argyle supporters chanted for him to be removed.

The former England captain was appointed Plymouth head coach in May, taking over from Ian Foster, who was sacked after a poor run of results.

The Pilgrims have won just four Championship games this season, drawing six, losing 13 and conceding 51 times in the league.

When asked if he felt safe in his role as boss, Rooney dismissed the question.

“That’s a question for the board,” Rooney said. “I understand how football works so all I can do is keep trying to work as hard as I can.

“For all of us, we’re trying to do the right things and help us win games – unfortunately that hasn’t been the case over the last few weeks.”

Plymouth next host Bristol City on 1 January.