BEVERLY HILL, January 15, (THEWILL) – Former Manchester United and England striker, Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the manager of Derby County, the professional association football club based in Derby, Derbyshire which competes in the English Football League (EFL) Championship, the second tier of English football.
The two-and-a-half-year deal effectively brings an official end to Rooney’s active playing career. The 35-year-old took charge after the departure of Dutchman Phillip Cocu as interim boss in November while continuing to play for the team.
In that interim capacity, he won three of his 10 matches with the club struggling for points at the bottom end of the Championship table. County currently sit 22nd in the Championship, though equal on 19 points with 21st-placed Sheffield Wednesday and have a game in hand.
Speaking on his appointment, Rooney told the club’s official website: “When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club. The stadium, training ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive.
“Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.
“To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.”
Staff of Rooney’s such as Liam Rosenior, Shay Given, and Justin Walker will retain their positions on the coaching crew, just as former England manager Steve McClaren continues in his role of technical director and advisor to the board of directors for the club.
Stephen Pearce, who is Derby County’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed his joy at the turn of events: “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Wayne Rooney as our new manager.
“Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances, notably the 2-0 home win over Swansea City and the 4-0 victory at Birmingham City.
“During that nine-game run we also dramatically improved their defensive record and registered five clean sheets in the process, while in the attacking third we became more effective and ruthless too.
“Those foundations have provided a platform for the club to build on in the second half of the season under Wayne’s guidance.”
Rooney retires as the all-time leading goalscorer for both Manchester United and England. Since his arrival, he has managed to shore up a leaky defence, Derby having conceded just two goals in their last seven league games. His first game as permanent manager will be on Saturday at home to Rotherham at Pride Park.
It has been a time of turmoil for Derby, with the senior first-team players still waiting for their December wages to be paid. With the stability Rooney brings in his permanent status and the team beginning to pick up on lessons from his experience, it can be hoped that improvements are on the way. However, a lot of patience will be necessary for the kinds of results that will move the team forward.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
