So it has to be seen as quite a coup for Plymouth Argyle that they have been able to reunite Phelan with Wayne Rooney as his new No2 for the rest of the season.
Rooney knows all about the 62-year-old, his coaching ideas and methods, and the way he works from his time as a player at Manchester United, when Phelan was first team coach and later assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Now he brings his vast experience to Home Park for the benefit of Rooney, who at the age of 39 is still learning his trade as a head coach, during a time when Argyle need as much help as they can get.
A run of one win in nine games has seen them drop from 14th to 22nd position in the Championship table, ahead of Phelan's first appearance in the Pilgrims' dug-out when they host Swansea City tonight.
This story is from the December 10, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 10, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
EARLEY RETURN
ROONEY OPEN TO RECALLING LEFT-BACK FROM LOAN SPELL
Pilgrims fall short in their fightback as Swans pile pressure on Rooney
PLYMOUTH Argyle saw a run of six unbeaten home home Championship matches come to an end as they lost 2-1 to Swansea City.
Sixteen ga in search of landing top prize
THREE former trophy holders will compete with 13 contenders for the grand prize of Champion of Champions on Sunday at the Victory Inn after a bumper night of play and charity fundraising across the four host venues.
Poundland owner Pepco slumps to huge £450m loss
PEPCO, the discount retail giant and owner of Poundland, has reported a loss exceeding £450m following a weak performance from its UK subsidiary, Poundland.
Damp and mould in military housing
DAMP and mould in family accommodation and single-living quarters that \"does not always meet the needs and expectations\" of soldiers are among the problems identified with military housing, in a new report.
Care group changes hands in takeover deal
MANNAMEAD CARE BECOMES FIRST SOUTH WEST COMPANY OPERATED BY SMART CARE HOMES
UK on alert over Syria aftermath
ANY potential return of British jihadists to the UK is “a matter of great concern\", a Home Office minister has said, amid ongoing worries about the aftermath of the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria.
No promise of funds
CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves has declined to say whether funds would be made available to make assisted dying free at the point of use.
William reveals Christmas plans
THE Prince of Wales has revealed how he is set to celebrate Christmas with 45 people this year, admitting he is 'not ready' for the festive season.
Storm aid is criticised in Commons
HOMES without power after Storm Darragh will be reconnected by today, a minister has said, as the Government faced calls to review whether current measures adequately support vulnerable residents during extreme weather events.
