Crucial week now ahead, says boss
WAYNE Rooney says the next week for Derby County is pivotal.
Rooney fielded questions on the club’s ongoing search for a new owner following the 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion.
The Rams have been in administration for more than three months and last week American businessman Chris Kirchner withdrew his bid for the club.
The administrators have said they are close to announcing a preferred bidder and it is believed there are two other offers on the table, one of them from a consortium headed by former Rams chairman Andy Appleby.
Rooney is keen for things to move forward before the January transfer window opens.
Asked about Kirchner’s decision to pull out, Rooney said: “He’s got his own reasons why he has done that. The administrators have confirmed they have had bids from other companies and, from my point of view, it needs to be done before January.
“I’m trying to plan for the future of this club and if it keeps dragging on, it’s not helpful to anyone. So really this next week is pivotal for this football club.
“We keep hearing – myself included – that a preferred bidder will be put in place. This club needs an owner and I need someone to report back to and plan with.
“Until that happens, it certainly makes my job a lot harder but I think for the fans. I understand them getting frustrated with the situation, because I certainly am.
“We just hope things can move forward in this next week.
“Since Chris pulled out, the next morning I had players coming up to me asking me questions. There are players out of contract in mid-january, there are players who can presign for other clubs in January – players who I want here at this club.
“But until I can start doing things, it’s out of my control and I can’t really have an impact on what that situation is.”
Asked if he has any idea who the other bidders are, Rooney said: “No. No one has made me aware of whether it’s one, two or three. I don’t know.
“I know the administrators are working hard to get it done but we need someone in.
“I’m doing everything I can and the players are giving everything they have got to try to give ourselves a chance of staying in this division, but now we need help, at least having a preferred bidder and being able to plan.
“It’s very complicated. There were a lot of issues which were left and which needed sorting out so it’s not as easy as putting a lump sum of money in and there you go.
“I know the administrators and the new owners – whoever they are – will be trying to get that sorted.”
Rooney described the effort of his team in beating high-riding West Brom as “incredible”.
“The effort the lads put in was incredible,” he said.
“First of all, the Academy deserve a lot of praise. I am having to use a lot of players from the Academy.
“Secondly, we are having to try and develop them quicker than normal, throw them in against some very good teams in this league in Fulham, Bournemouth and West Brom.
“We didn’t play much football today. Against West Brom, they like that side of the game, they have a physical team, and the young lads coped excellently.
“The more experienced lads – Stearman, Curtis Davies, Fozzy (Craig Forsyth) – deserve a lot of praise as well for helping and guiding the young lads through it.
“I am delighted with the win, it is a massive win for us.”