Phelan joins as Shuttleworth departs

Argyle Head Coach Wayne Rooney has today made a change to his backroom staff with Assistant Head Coach Pete Shuttleworth departing the club by mutual consent, and being replaced by Mike Phelan. 

Experienced coach Phelan joins as Assistant Head Coach until the end of the season and comes to Argyle with an excellent pedigree.  

The 62-year-old spent nine years at Manchester United across two spells, including a longstanding period under arguably one of the greatest managers of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson. It was there Phelan worked with current Argyle Head Coach Rooney when he was a player, and he now joins him as part of his coaching staff here in the South West. 

Phelan also spent time as an Assistant Manager at Blackpool, Norwich City and Hull City, and had a period as manager of the Tigers when they were in the Premier League.  

Shuttleworth departs for personal reasons. 

Upon the announcement, Argyle Head Coach Rooney commented: “I am sad to see Pete leave the club. He is someone I have worked with very closely throughout my managerial career having first met at Derby County and he has also been a close friend. 

“Pete has some personal matters going on which is where his focus needs to be and we all completely respect that and have mutually decided to part ways. 

“Mike is someone I know well having worked with him when I was a player at Manchester United and he has vast experience at the highest level of football.  

“I am really pleased to bring him to Argyle and look forward to seeing him get to work immediately.” 

Argyle Director of Football Neil Dewsnip added: “I want to thank Pete for all his support and efforts since joining Argyle in the summer. 

“We are thrilled to bring in someone of Mike’s calibre so quickly as a replacement. 

“He is one of the most experienced coaches around having worked with some of the best players in the world and obviously has a relationship with Wayne already from their time together at Manchester United. 

“We look forward to seeing his work have an immediate impact on the group and hope his experience will provide the perfect support to Wayne as we head into a very busy period of fixtures.” 

Everyone at Argyle would like to welcome Mike to the club and wish Pete all the best for the future.