Roo asks every day about the proposed takeover
DERBY County interim manager Wayne Rooney says he asks every day about the proposed takeover of the club.
The Rams announced early last month that a deal had been agreed “in principle” to sell the club to Derventio Holdings (UK) Limited, whose ultimate controlling entity is Bin Zayed International LLC, owned by Sheikh Khaled Zayed Bin Saquer Zayed Al Nayhan.
Speaking at yesterday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Championship clash against Brentford tomorrow night, Rooney was asked whether the takeover was any closer.
“You sound like me asking every day as well!” Rooney smiled.
“Honestly, I can’t give you an answer on that.
“I am the same, I am asking every day to see where we are at and just hope the quicker it gets done the better for everyone.”
Rooney has been in sole charge of the team for the past three matches, against Wyvcombe Wanderers, Coventry City and Millwall.
Derby’s next permanent manager will be appointed on the completion of the takeover.
The deal is not being held up by the EFL appeal, a question being asked on social media over the weekend, and remains close.
Rooney has made no secret of the fact he wants the manager’s job and he appears to be in pole position.
Steve McClaren’s return as technical director and adviser to the board is also interesting, perhaps significant. Could we see a combination of Rooney and McClaren, the latter providing the experience?
It would be 35-year-old Rooney’s first managerial position and he is confident he can handle the role but there is a general feeling among many supporters that an experienced manager is needed, given Derby’s struggles this season. Therefore it is no surprise to see experienced managers being linked with the position.
First it was Rafael Benitez and Eddie Howe, now it is Sam Allardyce and Burnley boss Sean Dyche, who is the latest name in the frame, according to a report in the national press.
Allardyce, speaking on the EFL highlights programme on Quest TV, outlined his wish to return to football and the ideal situation he would like to find himself in sounds very similar to the one Derby are in currently.
Allardyce has been out of work since he left Everton in 2018, more than two full seasons ago. He would be available immediately.
Dyche has a contract with Burnley until 2022 and is set to begin talks about a new deal, according to reports.
Rooney is now favourite with Sky Bet to land the job, while the odds on Aston Villa assistant John Terry have gone from 1/8 last week to 5/4.