HAMER HORROR
Gus grabs last-gasp leveller to deny Rooney first Rams win
GUSTAVO HAMER struck in injury time to keep Derby bottom and potentially deny Wayne Rooney’s managerial career lift off too.
The Rams were underwhelming again for much of this fourth game since Phillip Cocu left as boss and still have on just one win this term.
Caretaker Rooney celebrated in the dug-out in his second game in sole charge when Colin Kazim-Richards headed Derby ahead on 83 minutes.
But they blew a chance to seal victory when sub Jack Stretton hit the bar and Coventry made them pay when Hamer levelled.
It remains to be seen if the club’s incoming owner Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan will keep Rooney in charge. His £60million takeover is expected to be rubber-stamped later this week and he has Chelsea legend John Terry on his short-list.
Rooney has thrown himself into the job after stepping back from playing to lead from the dug-out. City began better last night, Jordan Shipley having a chance but heading straight at David Marshall. The Rams keeper was again in action on 22 minutes to hold a stinging drive from distance by Hamer.
Matthew Clarke’s back pass then let in Callum O’Hare, who nipped the ball past Marshall before going down, but ref Dean Whitestone was not impressed.
Tom Lawrence put a dipping freekick wide before Ben Wilson did well to push a Max Bird shot behind.
Coventry had the ball in the net but Tyler Walker’s header was ruled out for an offside by Kyle McFadzean.
Derby improved after the break, Tom Lawrence twice going close.
Kazim-Richards broke the deadlock and Rooney sensed a maiden win. His hopes were dashed by Hamer’s volley.