Plymouth have decided to cancel plans for a documentary chronicling their battle against relegation from the Championship following the departure of their manager, Wayne Rooney. Filming for the project was initially paused last month due to a string of poor results that ultimately led to Rooney’s exit. With no plans to resume production, the club has shifted its focus entirely to addressing its on-pitch struggles.
The documentary, which began filming in October, was intended to boost Plymouth’s global profile and potentially generate revenue through a streaming deal with platforms like Amazon or Netflix. However, during a 10-game winless streak, concerns arose that the project might become a distraction. As a result, filming was halted after limited access was granted to just two Championship matches.
The project was closely linked to Rooney and his advisers, who were instrumental in its conception. The production company behind the documentary had previously collaborated with Rooney on a feature-length film about his career and had produced other high-profile projects. Despite initial optimism, the timing and circumstances surrounding the club’s struggles led to a reassessment of the documentary’s viability.
Plymouth’s performance on the field has been a significant concern. Under Rooney’s management, the team secured only one win in their last 14 matches, leaving them at the bottom of the Championship table. His departure after 25 games marked the end of a tenure that failed to meet expectations. The club’s director of football, Neil Dewsnip, is also facing scrutiny, with his position under review. Dewsnip, who played a pivotal role in Plymouth’s rise from League Two to the Championship, has been criticized for recent managerial appointments that have not yielded success. His decision to bring in Ian Foster last season resulted in a brief and disappointing spell before Dewsnip and first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell stepped in to steer the team away from relegation.
In the wake of Rooney’s exit, Nancekivell and captain Joe Edwards have taken temporary charge of the team. Their first match in this capacity ended in a 2-2 draw with Bristol City. However, neither is considered a candidate for the permanent managerial role. Attention has turned to potential replacements, with former manager Steven Schumacher emerging as a strong contender. Schumacher, who left Plymouth for Stoke City over a year ago, is seen as a likely choice after being dismissed by Stoke in September.
Plymouth’s decision to shelve the documentary underscores the club’s current priorities. With the immediate challenge of avoiding relegation, the focus has shifted away from off-field projects. The situation highlights the complexities of balancing commercial ventures with the demands of maintaining competitive performance on the pitch. The club now faces the task of finding a new manager capable of stabilizing the team and steering them away from the relegation zone, as they look to secure their place in the Championship for another season.
