I WON’T ROO MY DECISION TO QUIT PLAYING
Wayne says he only wants to influence games from the bench
WAYNE ROONEY celebrated his first win as a manager by making it clear that in his mind he has played his last match.
England’s record scorer took off his boots three games ago to take sole charge of Derby on an interim basis.
From the moment Philip Cocu departed during the last international break, Rooney made it known he sees his future as a manager and not as a player.
He restated that after Jason Knight’s 69th-minute strike lifted the Rams off the bottom of the table and ended a run of 11 games without a win on a day in South London marred by some Millwall fans.
Rooney is unbeaten in three games at the helm and revealed that what has pleased him the most since moving into the dugout is the way he has backed his instincts and not dwelt on his decisions.
If that is the case it seems certain a 3-0 away defeat at Middlesbrough on November 25 will mark the end of a 764- game playing career that began with Everton against Tottenham on August 17, 2002 and brought 313 goals
“I ’m delighted for everyone at the whole club as it’s been a difficult time over recent weeks and months for the staff who have helped prepare the team in different ways,” said Rooney .
“It will be nice to go in on Monday morning and see a few more smiles on their faces. I think my future is in management. It is what I want to do. I’ve had my career in playing and I wasn’t thinking today that I want to get on the pitch.
“I was only thinking about how I can influence the game with the substitutions I was able to make. You don’t have a lot of time to make decisions or dwell on whether you want to make a change or not. I feel that is where I have been good.
“I feel if I’ve wanted to make a change I’ve made it. I’ve been quick to make the changes and the same when picking the team. I think it’s the best way to go, to go with your instincts and what you think.”
Rooney’s instincts in recalling Curtis Davies served him wel l in combating the aerial threat of Millwall striker Matt Smith, while substitute Martyn Waghorn played a big part in the winning goal five minutes after coming on.
Knight slotted home after Waghorn’s far post header was blocked by Millwall keeper Bartosz Bialkowski.
But while Rooney is keen to take the Derby job full- time, that is one decision out of his hands. It is one that will be made by Abu Dhabi royal Sheik Khalid once his proposed £60million takeover of the club is completed.
John Terry is the bookies’ choice for the job but another positive result for the Rams at Br e n t f o rd on Wednesday would put Rooney in the driving seat.