Rooney exit shows shortcomings of the game's 'golden generation'

Wayne Rooney's latest managerial flop ended in his abrupt exit from Plymouth after just seven months, extending a streak of dug-out disappointments for England's "golden generation".

Rooney (right), Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were among England's most decorated players in an era that brought them remarkable success at club level.

But the trio have largely struggled to replicate their achievements on the pitch since moving into management.

Rooney left the Championship's bottom club on Tuesday in the aftermath of last weekend's damaging 2-0 defeat at relegation rivals Oxford.

The former Manchester United star's host of medals and wealth of experience at the highest level counted for nothing in the cut-throat world of English football's second tier.

Rooney won just four of his 23 league games with Plymouth as he endured another failure in his troubled career as a manager.