Ex-Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney could be set for surprise new manager's job | OneFootball

Former Plymouth Argyle and Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney is wanted by Macclesfield as Robbie Savage's replacement.

Macclesfield FC want former Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney to replace Forest Green Rovers-bound Robbie Savage.

Football League World revealed exclusively on Thursday that the former Derby County and Birmingham star was closing in on the vacancy at The New Lawn, which would see him depart the club he co-founded.

Later reports from Alan Nixon via his Patreon page then suggested that the outgoing Savage recommended Rooney to replace him at Macclesfield.

The Manchester United legend has been out of work since his exit from Plymouth in December 2024, but is seemingly keen to return to management despite the resounding failures of his last two stints in the dugout.

Macclesfield, the Phoenix club of Macclesfield Town, will be competing in the National League North next season for the first time since they were founded, and could announce themselves with an ambitious move for the ex-England star.

Wayne Rooney wanted as Robbie Savage's replacement at Macclesfield

It's fair to say that Rooney hasn't covered himself in glory in his last two managerial stints at Birmingham and Plymouth. Despite being a likable character, the results simply weren't there, which saw both spells end prematurely.

The 39-year-old has admitted his desire to return to the dugout and try to continue building a successful post-playing career. Many have speculated that a move to League One or Two could be the reset he needs.

However, according to Nixon, Rooney's next job could well involve him dropping into non-league, as Macclesfield are planning an ambitious move to convince him to succeed Savage.

The club's co-founder and manager is closing in on being appointed as Forest Green manager, and Nixon has reported that Savage personally recommended Rooney for the role that he'll be vacating.

The former England star lives locally to the Silkmen, but may not be easily convinced to join a club in the sixth tier of English football, according to the report.

Following Macclesfield Town's liquidation, the Phoenix club have built back a strong support, and adding a household name like Rooney to their staff could certainly attract more fans, and create huge interest in the club.

Rooney dropping to non-league would be a huge shock

As mentioned, plenty of rumblings have come since Rooney's departure from Plymouth right at the very end of last year. He's spoken of his desire to return to management, and has been touted for jobs in League Two since he left Home Park.

The 39-year-old enjoyed a solid stint in charge of Derby, but has been unable to find consistency at both of his next two jobs in the Championship, which eventually saw them come to an abrupt end.

Many believe that Rooney needs to take a step down from the Championship to help find his feet once again. However, it was never thought that the ex-Birmingham boss would take the plunge into non-league.

Whilst this would be an excellent coup for Macclesfield, it would come as a real shock to see someone who was managing in the second tier just six months ago take up a role in the sixth tier, regardless of the ambitious project at the club.