Rooney frustrated to miss out on Garner
MIDFIELDER ONE OF TARGETS OUT OF REACH FOR RAMS
SEVEN players Derby County were interested in have joined other clubs this summer, according to manager Wayne Rooney.
Rooney’s plans to bolster and strengthen his squad have been hampered by a transfer embargo that has allowed them to only bring in free agents on one-year deals or shorter, and players on half-season loans.
All signings have had to fall within a wage restriction and the Rams have reached their limit of 23 players of ‘professional standing’ meaning they are unable to make more signings as things stand.
Six free agents have been signed – defenders Curtis Davies, Richard Stearman and Phil Jagielka, goalkeeper Ryan Allsop, midfielder Ravel Morrison and striker Sam Baldock.
Derby also had midfielder Tom Carroll and forward Sone Aluko training with them in pre-season but both players have since joined Ipswich Town.
The Rams were also interested in a loan deal for Manchester United’s James Garner, who has signed for today’s opponents, Nottingham Forest.
When asked if he had been interested in the 20-year-old, Rooney said: “Not just him. I have seen seven players now who have been ready to come into the club who have moved on elsewhere because obviously we can’t do anything.
“That is very frustrating because I know James is a fantastic talent, a lot of ability and it’s a shame we couldn’t get him in.
“He has gone back to Forest. He played very well for them last season.
“Now we have to make sure we do everything we can to make sure he doesn’t influence the game the way he can do.”
Garner enjoyed a loan spell at Forest last season and he scored in the 1-1 draw against Derby at Pride Park Stadium in February.
The transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday, although clubs can still sign free agents outside of the window.
Asked if he is resigned to the possibility that this could be the squad for the remainder of the season, Rooney said: “That’s what I have to think.
“I have to assume and prepare these players for the season.
“I have no indications that is going to be any different. That is where we are at and if that is the case I’ll keep working with these players and trying to improve them and make them better players.
“Of course, I’ll be trying to put pressure on every day to try and get more players in because I do think if we get one or two injuries it is a big, big issue and something we would really struggle to cope with.
“I also, on the other hand, have to try to protect these young players because some of the young players are with us because they have to be, not because they are at that stage of their careers yet.
“So I need to make sure I don’t throw them in at the deep end and almost end their careers before they have even started.”
■ Former Derby County defender Max Lowe has joined Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan and he could face the Rams today.
The 24-year-old left-back progressed through the youth system at Derby and made 48 appearances.