She’s put a positive spin on her husband’s recent unemployment – claiming in an interview that it’s allowed her to split the chores and carve out more time for herself. But, according to insiders, Coleen Rooney is getting increasingly antsy over Wayne’s constant presence at their Cheshire mansion, and he’s becoming more of a hindrance than a help.
Now, we’re told the mum of four is gently but emphatically encouraging Wayne, who was fired from his seven-month gig as Plymouth Argyle manager in December, to seek pastures new.
‘Coleen was delighted when Wayne moved home after leaving Plymouth, as it meant they could be a family again and he could help out more,’ says an insider close to the 38 year old, who’s recently seen a massive boost to her own career after coming second in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.
‘But, the novelty has quickly worn off and Wayne is getting under her feet now. Coleen runs a very tight ship, as it’s the only way to make sure everyone is where they need to be. But Wayne isn’t quite as organised, and it can get quite chaotic in the mornings and after school. Coleen was so used to doing things her way and now he’s always there.’
Having first got together as teenagers, Coleen was well accustomed to the WAG life by the time she and Wayne became parents – meaning she was often left to rule the roost while Wayne was busy at training and playing matches.
However, since retiring in 2021, Wayne’s once-stellar career has stalled. After a patchy stint as player/coach, then manager, at Derby County and a short-lived run as head coach for DC United in the US, he became manager of Birmingham City, but was only in charge for 83 days before being let go. He then moved on to Plymouth – relocating to Devon temporarily.
But having been let go from that gig, he’s moved back home with Coleen and their kids – Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and seven-year-old Cass – something that is, apparently, both a blessing and a curse for his wife of 17 years.
On the plus side, we’re told Coleen is relieved that she’s able to keep a closer eye on Wayne, 39. History has proven that, if left to his own devices, he can be reckless. Late last year, the Rooneys were hit by scandal yet again, after a video went viral of Wayne letting a woman into his Devon flat – which he insisted had been edited to remove another man who was also there. Since then, we’re told, he’s been doing all he can to stay out of the doghouse, and – according to Coleen – he’s been trying to help out at home.
Speaking at the recent launch of her new brand Applied Nutrition, Coleen said, ‘It’s great now that Wayne’s back home. He will do the school run, and I’ll get an early gym session in.’
However, we’re told that – having grown so used to doing things her way – Coleen isn’t totally comfortable with letting Wayne take the reins, especially as he’s not quite as organised as she is. So, the best of both worlds would be for him to get a new job closer to home.
‘There’s talk of Wayne getting another managerial role at Salford City FC, which is music to Coleen’s ears,’ our insider says. ‘It’s local, so he doesn’t have to move out, but he won’t be home 24/7 and will have something to focus on. They’ve decided that he can’t live on his own again. Coleen doesn’t think it’s good for him as he needs his family around, but she also knows he can’t not work. There’s also talk of him joining Match Of The Day as a pundit, which would be perfect as it’s filmed in Manchester, so he wouldn’t have too far to travel.’
Last week, Wayne made his debut as a pundit for Amazon Prime, hopefully paving the way for more broadcasting gigs, and giving Col some breathing space in that £20m, 40-acre property…