Plymouth has decided to abandon plans for a documentary chronicling their fight to avoid relegation from the Championship after the recent departure of Wayne Rooney as manager.
Rooney’s influence and halted production
The project, initially greenlit in November, was reportedly championed by Rooney and his advisers. With close ties to the production company Lorton Entertainment, known for its high-profile sports documentaries, Rooney was a central figure in the initiative. Lorton previously produced the Amazon Prime documentary Rooney and the Disney+ series Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story.
Filming began in October at the Harpers Park training ground and included coverage of two Championship matches. However, a 10-game winless streak, culminating in Rooney’s exit, led the club to pause production last month and ultimately cancel the project. Plymouth reportedly feared the documentary would become more of a distraction than a tool to enhance the club’s global profile.
Challenges on and off the pitch
Under Rooney, Plymouth managed only one win in their last 14 matches, sinking to the bottom of the Championship table. His tenure, spanning 25 games, ended amidst mounting pressure. The club’s director of football, Neil Dewsnip, is also likely to leave, facing criticism from the board for Rooney’s appointment.
Dewsnip’s five-year tenure saw Plymouth rise from League Two to the Championship under managers Ryan Lowe and Steven Schumacher. However, his recent decisions, including appointing Ian Foster last season, have been less successful. Foster’s stint lasted just 16 games before Dewsnip and first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell stepped in to steer the team clear of relegation.
Interim management and future plans
Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards temporarily managed the side in a 2-2 draw against Bristol City on Wednesday. Neither is considered a candidate for the permanent managerial role. Meanwhile, Steven Schumacher, who left Plymouth 13 months ago for Stoke City and was dismissed in September, is seen as the frontrunner to return.
With managerial uncertainty and relegation fears looming, Plymouth’s focus has shifted firmly to stabilizing the club’s on-field performance rather than pursuing off-field media ventures.
