Wayne Rooney Endorses Pete Shuttleworth’s Republic of Ireland Coaching Stint

Wayne Rooney, head coach of Championship club Plymouth Argyle, stated that coach Pete Shuttleworth’s involvement with the Republic of Ireland national team will be advantageous for the club. Shuttleworth has been a long-standing assistant to Rooney throughout much of the former England captain’s coaching tenure. Shuttleworth, who serves as Rooney’s assistant at Home Park, began his involvement with the Ireland national team during the summer, initially assisting then-interim manager John O’Shea. He has continued in his role with the national squad following the appointment of Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson in July. The 45-year-old Shuttleworth is scheduled to join the coaching staff for the upcoming Uefa Nations League matches later this month, which include a game against Finland in Dublin and another against England at Wembley. Rooney commented on the situation, stating, “For me it’s not a problem in terms of international breaks, we’ve got enough coaches here to cover the international break.” He further added that “The more experience your coaches can get will only make them a better coach.” Shuttleworth joined Rooney at Argyle in May, having previously served on his coaching staff during Rooney’s managerial tenures at Derby County, DC United, and Birmingham City. Rooney further remarked, “I think it’s good for Pete.” He elaborated, “It’s good in terms of connections, and international football is a bit different as well.” Regarding Shuttleworth’s immediate future, Rooney stated, “Pete will be with them next week and moving forwards we’ll see how that looks, but at the minute he’s due to do the trip next week and then we can re-assess.” Rooney also acknowledged the unique aspect of the upcoming match, saying, “It’ll be a bit strange for Pete I’d imagine as a proud Englishman to come up against England, but that’s the nature of the job.”