Rooney sticks by Derby staff

WAYNE Rooney has vowed to stay with Derby County after the Championship club was hit with a 12-point penalty for going into administration.

Derby boss Rooney faces a battle to keep his team in the English second tier following the points deduction that left it on the bottom of the table.

The former Manchester United and England star said he “doubts” he would have taken charge of the Rams had he known the extent of their financial problems.

“I will fight for the club. I wouldn’t leave the staff in the lurch. They need someone to lead them,” Rooney said.

Criticising owner Mel Morris for his handling of the situation, he said: “In my opinion, it wasn’t sincere enough, it wasn’t heartfelt enough, and it wasn’t done with enough honesty.”