Rooney is expected to stay despite threat of further points penalty
WAYNE Rooney is set to stay on as Derby County manager despite the reportedly imminent points deduction heading the club’s way, according to a national newspaper.
Claims emerged in the national press last week that Derby are set to be hit with a nine point penalty for breaching financial fair play rules under owner Mel Morris, who put the club into administration in September.
The Rams have already had a dozen points taken off them for going into administration, plunging Wayne Rooney’s side to the bottom of the Championship table, where they currently have six points, nine behind Peterborough United in 21st place.
Having another nine points taken from them would seem fatal.
It would put the Rams 18 points away from safety with 87 points left to play for and a squad that is made up of free agents and academy signings as the club is still under a transfer embargo for failing to adhere to EFL regulations.
It has been claimed American businessman Chris Kirchner would not be put off purchasing Derby if the club fell into League One.
And the Mirror reports that Rooney is to “battle on” at Pride Park despite administrators preparing to accept the nine-point deduction.
Rams boss Rooney has made no secret of his desire to stick with Derby through the club’s turbulent time and that has endeared him to supporters.
“I’m a fighter,” Rooney said on the eve of the new season in August.
“I grew up on a council estate in Liverpool – I don’t walk away from challenges easily and I’m grateful to Derby for giving me my first job in management.
“I want to repay (them for) that. I want to stick by these players.
“They need my guidance and my help to help them get through.”
Rooney became Derby’s manager when he was appointed on a fulltime basis in January, replacing Phillip Cocu, who left last November with the club bottom of the table.
After the international break, the Rams return to action when they host leaders AFC Bournemouth in the Championship at Pride Park on Sunday (12pm).
WAYNE Rooney says he has spoken to Lee Carsley, the former Derby County midfielder now in charge of England Under-21s, about Rams youngster Max Bird deserving international recognition.
Rooney is disappointed with the Football Association for not considering the 21-year-old midfielder for an England Youth call-up.
The Rams boss, who won 120 caps for England and captained his country, said last month: “He (Bird) has been incredible and I am disappointed with the FA because, and I know there is a system where players come through and they get in the younger (England) teams and tend to stay in, but consistently he has been one of the best players in the League, in my opinion.
“How on earth he hasn’t been called for any England age group is incredible.”
Bird was not named in the England Under-21 squad for the Euro 2023 qualifier against the Czech Republic last Thursday and tomorrow night’s friendly against Georgia.
“I was at St George’s Park and spoke to Lee Carsley,” said Rooney.
“I feel he is doing everything and deserves a call up.
“I might sound a bit biased but I just think with his performances and maturity he deserves to get called up.
“It’s not my job, of course but I am delighted with how he is playing and I think he deserves more recognition.”