Roo urges full rebuild
By NICK PATTISON at Pride Park
WAYNE ROONEY has urged former Derby owner Mel Morris to allow the club to be rebuilt this summer.
And he says the Rams still face a big 24 hours, despite American businessman Chris Kirchner’s takeover bid.
Rooney saw his side wrap up a turbulent season with a defeat to Cardiff at the Pride Park Stadium which was at the centre of talks last night.
With Morris still owning the ground, it is the last remaining barrier for prospective new owner Kirchner taking control of the club. Rooney was back in meetings again yesterday – as representatives of Derby City Council were at the game and hope to do a deal which would see them buy the ground.
When asked what his message to Morris is, Rooney said: “Let us rebuild this club.” Derby supporters left him in no doubt about their feelings as a near-30,000 crowd created a party atmosphere, even though their side is heading for League One.
Rooney added: “The stadium is the last thing that needs sorting. Meetings were ongoing, I hope it’ll be positive and we can look forward to an exciting summer with players coming in and re-signing contracts.
“On the other hand, if it doesn’t happen, I’m really concerned for the club and where it’ll be left if there’s one left to maintain.”
Jordan Hugill sealed the game in his final Cardiff appearance on loan from Norwich. Some great footwork from Eli King set him up for a 55th-minute winner.
Bluebirds boss Steve Morison said: “Jordan ended his loan spell with a goal which was great. And ending the season with a victory is really, really pleasing.” DERBY: Allsop 6 (Roos 71, 6), Cashin 7, Davies 6, Forsyth 6 (Ebosele 65, 6), Ebiowei 6, Bird 6, Thompson 7, Knight 6, Morrison 6, Lawrence 6 (Plange 55, 6), Sibley 6. Subs not used: Stearman, Watson, Aghatise, Cybulski. CARDIFF: Phillips 7, Drameh 8, Nelson 7, Flint 7, Denham 5 (Colwill 45, 5), Bagan 7, Ng 7, King 7 (Davies 63, 4 (Watters 78), Wintle 7, M Harris 6, Hugill 7. Subs not used: Mcguinness, Collins, Semenyo, Luthra. MAN OF THE MATCH: Cody Drameh. Another solid display from the Leeds loanee, and the Cardiff fans want him to stay. REFEREE: Keith Stroud 6.