“I have seen enough” – Exclusive: David Prutton makes Miron Muslic, Wayne Rooney claims after Plymouth Argyle relegation.

Plymouth Argyle have been relegated from the Championship, despite head coach Miron Muslic’s best efforts.

Muslic was appointed as the new manager of the Pilgrims in January, when the team was at the bottom of the league table and had not won in 11 games.

Despite scoring 26 points in 21 Championship games, Muslic was unable to lead Plymouth to safety. The Austrian led his team to three victories in the final five games of the season, including victories over promotion contenders Sheffield United and Coventry City, but they ultimately finished a few points short of avoiding the drop zone.

When comparing Rooney’s and Muslic’s records this season, it could be argued that the Pilgrims would have survived if the 42-year-old had joined earlier.

David Prutton believes Muslic has run out of time.

David Prutton, a Sky Sports presenter, discussed with Football League World whether Plymouth could have avoided relegation with more games under Muslic’s management.

“I think what we saw from Miron Muslic, it just felt like they ran out of games rather than belief,” Prutton told the crowd.

“There were some cracking late moments under Rooney as Plymouth manager, but also some cracking moments under Muslic, who was so close to giving them a fighting chance of getting out of their predicament.

“It was always going to be difficult to get back into the Championship. Plymouth Argyle’s consolidation is a success in and of itself.

“We’ll never know, will we?” It is hypothetical. Muslic has demonstrated enough to suggest that he is a charismatic leader of people, and I believe he will be in demand at other football clubs.

“First and foremost, you ensure that he is satisfied there. Second, you ensure that he has the necessary tools to compete for the League One title, or at least promotion from League One, next season.

“There is also speculation about Wayne Rooney’s next move, whether it is into management or what he is currently doing as a pundit. He explains things extremely well, based on what I’ve seen on television.

“I believe that sometimes the art of management is slightly different, and as a man, you have to respect him for throwing himself into it wholeheartedly. Some world-class, glorious ex-footballers fit the bill, while others do not.

“Perhaps time will tell, and if another opportunity arises, we will know for certain either way for Wayne.”

“Miron Muslic and Plymouth Argyle fit together very, very well indeed, and he will be a key part of what happens next season for Argyle.”

 

Plymouth will hope to retain Muslic.

Muslic’s success with the Pilgrims, including beating Liverpool in the FA Cup and improving league performances, makes it likely that the club will want to retain him as they prepare to return to League One.

However, the Plymouth manager has made it clear that he requires the right backroom staff in place if he is to bring success to the club, so it remains to be seen whether his stay at Home Park will extend beyond this summer.