RED, WHITE AND ROO
Royle backs star to be hit in America
WHILE the eyes of the football world were fixed on events in Russia, England’s record goalscorer slipped out through the back door to start a new life in the USA. Wayne Rooney had become excess baggage after just 12 months back at Everton, where his incredible football journey started as a bright-eyed 16-year-old. Impresario and Everton chairman Bill Kenwright’s latest production “The Return Of The Prodigal Son” failed to hit the heights. And the last few months of an underwhelming season included looking at ways of saving on the former England captain’s £180,000-a-week Goodison wages. Enter struggling MLS franchise DC United. And tomorrow the 32-year-old will be officially unveiled as their marquee signing – ready to make his debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 14. But former Everton boss Joe Royle (far left, top), who was first aware of Rooney’s precocious talents as a 10-year-old, insists that he is leaving the country with his head held high. “He’s been a great servant for Everton, Manchester United and England. He obviously wants to try something new and it will suit him in America,” said Royle. “He did well at times at Everton last season, and it’s patently obvious now that you never lose your talent, but sometimes the running side of the game gets harder.
Exceptional
“Wayne’s been a top-class player. You are not the leading goalscorer for your country for no reason. “I remember him as a kid. I was the manager when he came into the youth system at Everton. “It was obvious, even all those years ago, that Wayne had an exceptional talent. “He was actually a ball boy for Everton when I was in charge. “It was a derby game, he was pictured next to Duncan Ferguson. And I remember him coming into the club with his family.” Royle accepts that Rooney’s Premier League send-off wasn’t ideal, with early substitutions and a televised touchline spat with former boss Sam Allardyce. And it soon became obvious that new Toffees manager Marco Silva did not have the forward in his future plans. “It was a hard season for Everton, but at least he can walk away with his head held high,”added Royle. “Now there’s a new manager, a new regime and obviously they have their own ideas for the future of Everton. “But good luck to him. We can only wish him all the best. “Don’t forget when Everton sold him to Manchester United, Wayne got an awful lot of unworthy and unnecessary stick. “At the time, Everton needed the money and the deal which Bill Kenwright negotiated (£26million – a record for a teenager) was an outstanding deal for a player of that age. “Obviously, he came back to Everton for a swansong and it possibly lasted a season less than he would have liked, but that’s football. “Wayne will find it a little easier away from the hurly-burly of the Premier League. “I’m sure his talent will shine through in the States, as it did with George Best and all the other greats. “Bestie was a big success out there, so good luck to Wayne.”