Rooney still has targets in mind as he waits for takeover
BOSS WANTS TO IMPROVE A NUMBER OF POSITIONS
DERBY County boss Wayne Rooney fielded another round of questions on the proposed takeover of the club and his transfer plans following the defeat by Rotherham United.
The Rams fell 1-0 at home to fellow-strugglers Rotherham United and now sit second from bottom of the Championship at the halfway stage of the season.
They have lost three of their last four League games and failed to score in those defeats.
Rooney has said he wants to strengthen the squad in the transfer window but the takeover has yet to be completed and half of the January window has gone.
Here’s what Rooney told the media:
■■Is a number 10, to add creativity, a position you are looking to strengthen?
WR: There are different positions in the team we feel we can improve on.
We knew how Rotherham were going to play and we didn’t deal with it, so that is disappointing.
We maybe could have nicked a goal but creativity was missing. The biggest disappoitment is the concentration didn’t seem right.
There were sloppy mistakes which we can’t afford to let happen.
■■Do you think the takeover and you being able to sign players are going to happen quickly?
WR: I hope so.
We have been talking about it for a long time, it does seem to be edging closer.
I can’t really give you a timescale on that but I know Mel (Morris, owner) and Stephen (Pearce, CEO)
are working really hard to get that over the line. Hopefully, it can get done and it will still allow us some time to go and get some players in.
■■Are you still confident the takeover will go through?
WR: As far as I am concerned, yes. I know what Stephen Pearce has said in his interviews and that is what is being said to me.
He’s very confident it will go through. From my point of view, the quicker the better.
■■Are you happy with the funds you should get once the takeover happens?
WR: Yes, of course. I have identified the players I want to bring in.
The recruitment is vital, the recruitment team has been good as I
have been working alongside them for the last six weeks to identify players I want to bring in.
■■If the takeover does not go through by the end of this month where does it leave you?
WR: It leaves us with what we have got.
So the players have to step up. If that is where we are at, that’s where we are at.
The players have put in some very good performances over the last few weeks but I think if you are asking any manager who is down at the bottom of the league do they want to bring players in and improve the squad, then I’m sure everyone will have the same answer.