ROONEY QUIT SHOCK
Boss drops bombshell as he steps down just hours after Pride Park is sold He feels club needs to be led by someone with ‘fresh energy’ Time at club has been a rollercoaster, but will be remembered with great pride and affection Thanks great fans for ‘incr
RAMS fans endured a rollercoaster of emotions on a dramatic day at Pride Park as the club inched closer to securing its future – before Wayne Rooney quit as manager.
Property firm Clowes Developments confirmed yesterday morning it had acquired the stadium from previous owner Mel Morris as it now looks to finalise a takeover.
As part of that commitment, they have also issued a loan to the Rams that will allow them to start the season, which had given fans a muchneeded lift with the club being in administration for the last nine months.
But supporters were rocked last night when Rooney’s resignation was confirmed in a statement by the club, with the former Manchester
United star having informed administrators Quantuma of his decision earlier in the day.
He said: “Over the course of the summer, I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County.
“Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club. In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.
“My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge.
“Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last 18 months. I will remember my time at Derby with great pride and affection and would like to thank all my staff, players and of course the fans for their incredible support. I will never forget you and hope to see you all again in the near future and in happier times.
“Finally, I am aware the club still have interested parties who wish to take over the running of the club.
“To them I say this, Derby County is a great club with a great history and great fans. I wish you all the best and much success for the future.”
Rooney’s exit tempered the excitement of developments regarding the future of the club with local businessman and Derby fan David Clowes undergoing the owners and directors’ test with the Football League.
Mr Clowes said he was delighted to be in a position to come to Derby’s aid amid fears among some fans they would not survive the darkest chapter in the club’s history.
He said: “With a deadline looming and the start of the next season getting closer, we needed to do something. As a local and established property company, purchasing the stadium seemed the obvious first step. Secondly, as a proud Derby supporter, it was inconceivable to me that the club was at risk of falling away.
“We’ve worked tirelessly behind the scenes on the stadium purchase and loan agreement to be able to get the club going again in time for the next season. Players, staff and fans needed some good news, and we are delighted to play a part in delivering that.”