Boss not expecting new faces
DERBY County boss Wayne Rooney has had no indication that he will be able to strengthen his squad ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
The window closes at 11pm tomorrow but the Rams remain under a transfer embargo and they are unable to sign players, as things stand.
The embargo has allowed them to bring in only free agents on one-year deals or shorter and players on halfseason loans. All signings have had to fall within a wage restriction and the Rams have reached their limit of 23 players of “professional standing.”
“The transfer deadline is coming up,” said Rooney.
“I have had no indication we will be able to do anything, bring any players in, which is disappointing, frustrating.
“So I will have to keep working with the lads, keep trying to get some of these young lads up to a level where they can go out and start games because they will have to start some games this season.
“It is not ideal but we are relying on these players.
“They are good players, good young players, fast-tracked a bit in terms of their development into the first team and on the bench.
“We have to keep working and keep trying to improve them.”
Asked if he will see the job through despite the difficulties in strengthening the squad, Rooney said: “Of course. I have said this many times, I am a fighter.
“I am grateful for this club giving me this opportunity and I’ll keep going, keep working and keep trying to pick up points.
“That is all I can do and that is what I will continue to do with the coaches, keep trying to develop this team.”
Free agents can still be signed after the transfer window closes.