WAYNE ROONEY always had the makings of a superstar – but his playful approach will help him achieve great success in Plymouth.
This is the view of lifelong Argyle fan and midfielder Adam Randell.
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The 23-year-old’s jaw almost dropped when the England and Manchester United legend was appointed head coach this summer.
And Randell – like the rest of the Pilgrims squad – was completely overwhelmed when the 38-year-old Rooney entered Home Park.
But after working with him during pre-season, it was his down-to-earth personality that won the team over.
This is reflected off the pitch too, where Rooney enjoys life on the Dorset coast, strolling into pubs and chatting to the locals.
He even burst out at a quiz night in a bar and listened intently to the questions of a European Championship round, even though he himself was not taking part.
And ahead of tomorrow’s opening Championship game at Sheffield Wednesday, Randell said: “I was surprised when his appointment was announced. I couldn’t believe it.”
“I read the speculation and thought, ‘No way.’
“When he was named, it was surreal to know that someone you watched and admired as a child would now be around you in your daily life. It was strange, but also very exciting.
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“At a moment like this, you have to face reality – you have to know who he is and what he has achieved in his career, but you also have to understand that he is now your own boss!
“And since Rooney came in, he’s been great. All the boys speak very positively about him.
“He talks to people every day, which is nice for us.
“It’s nice that there is this interest in us, whether it’s football or not. It’s good to have this connection.”
“The fact that he went into that pub on quiz night and chatted to everyone shows exactly how he behaved here with the players, the staff and the fans. I actually did that quiz myself.
“He’s just a normal guy who seems authentic, likeable and approachable, which is extremely important for us as players.
“We want to be able to talk to the manager and have discussions. There are no heirs or graces over him.”
But despite all this, the mere fact that Rooney is the manager has increased Argyle’s reputation immeasurably.
Randell – born and raised in the city – knows better than anyone why Plymouth is often seen as a football outpost due to its location on the Devon-Cornwall border.
He said: “Because he is such a big name himself, he draws so many eyes to the club.
“It was great for everyone at the club and gave us all a huge boost.
“We are often forgotten in this part of the world – that will certainly not be the case this season.”
The midfielder has already received some wisdom from Rooney, who played in his position towards the end of his career.
And Randell said: “I learned a lot directly from him. He had this experience in my position and was therefore able to give me certain pointers about what he expected from me.
“I listened to the things he said to other players. He made sure that I could pick it up and learn from it even if it wasn’t directly related to me.
“He is always honest and told us from the beginning that this is how he is.
“He has clear expectations of people: to work hard and act as a complete team to win games. We are fully focused on performing well and getting results.”
Randell has been an “obsessed Argyle fan” ever since he received a surprise trip to a home game on his sixth birthday.
And he was thrilled that when he was accepted into the club’s academy, he was given free tickets to Home Park and went there most weeks with his father.
He said: “There are so many fond memories but the one that stands out most for me is Peter Hartley’s late winner in the League Two play-off semi-final against Portsmouth in 2016.
“I was sitting in block two with my family and was tempted to go onto the pitch, but my father said ‘no’ because I was in the academy and it wouldn’t have made a good impression.
“That was another experience when I went to Liverpool in the FA Cup in 2017. The play-off final in 2016.
“It’s great to now put on the green jersey and compete in front of my family and friends, who are all season ticket holders.
“It’s great to look up and see smiling Plymouth fans and people I know.”
Randell played for the Pilgrims when they were in League Two and is adamant that the club can achieve promotion to the Premier League in the not too distant future.
Plymouth celebrated avoiding relegation by a point in their first season after being promoted from League One (below) and they will want to have higher expectations this season.
He said: “Our main goal has to be to stay in the league, but ultimately we want to make sure something special happens here.
“I have spoken about it several times and said where we want to see the club in the coming years.
“We said that the Premier League may seem far away, but it is achievable. Nothing can stop us.”
