Wayne Rooney ready to walk away from £400,000-a-year BBC job

Jack Otway
Sat, 04 Apr 2026 07:04:27 +0000

Wayne Rooney has signalled his willingness to step back into football management ahead of the upcoming campaign, with his sights set on opportunities in the Championship or League One.

The former England captain's intentions emerged as his wife Coleen marked her 40th birthday with an extravagant celebration at the couple's Cheshire estate yesterday.

A massive marquee was erected at the mansion for the VIP gathering, which saw some attendees arriving by helicopter, according to The Sun.

The timing of the revelation comes as Rooney, who also turned 40, continues his television career following his departure from Plymouth Argyle in December 2024 after a disappointing spell in charge of the club.

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Since departing Plymouth, Rooney has established himself as a BBC pundit, securing a £400,000-a-year contract with Match of the Day at the start of the 2025/26 season following Gary Lineker's exit from the programme.

The role came after he impressed executives at the broadcaster, though sources indicate his ambitions extend beyond the studio.

A source said: "Wayne is enjoying his telly work, but he does want to get back into management. He will be open to it if the right opportunity comes up."

The insider added: "Ideally, he would get something at the start of the summer so he is in position for the start of the season in August."

The birthday bash spared no expense, according to sources close to the couple, with Coleen determined to celebrate in style.

A source said: "No expense was spared for Coleen's big birthday. She wanted to go all out."

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Sir David and Victoria Beckham were among those rumoured to be in attendance, alongside former teammates Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher, Peter Crouch and his wife Abbey Clancy, as well as current Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick.

Rooney paid tribute to his wife by sharing photographs documenting their quarter-century together, including images with their four sons Kai, 16, Klay, 12, Kit, ten, and Cass, eight.

He wrote: "Happy 40th Birthday to the best wife and mum we could wish for. We can't wait to celebrate with you and love you all the world."

Rooney's managerial journey has been turbulent since he first took charge at Derby County in January 2021, having initially joined the club as a player twelve months earlier.

The Rams suffered relegation to League One during his tenure, though the club was hampered by administration and a 21-point deduction.

He stepped down in June 2022 before taking the reins at DC United in America, departing after a single season.

A stint at Birmingham City followed from October 2023, ending with his dismissal the following January.

Plymouth appointed him in May 2024, but the partnership dissolved by mutual consent seven months later.

As a player, Rooney netted 253 goals for Manchester United and scored 53 times in 120 England appearances.