Never mind the High Court, we need Rooney centre-stage again for Rams

‘WAGATHA CHRISTIE’ MEDIA CIRCUS NEARS CONCLUSION AND COUNCIL CONSIDERS ‘FREEDOM OF THE CITY’ – BUT THERE’S LOTS OF WORK TO DO!

ACROSS the front pages of the national papers yesterday morning, there were pictures of Wayne Rooney smiling for the cameras as the “Wagatha Christie” trial approaches its gripping conclusion.

Derby County’s manager gave evidence on Tuesday as his wife Coleen defends a libel action brought by Rebekah Vardy, the wife of his former England team-mate Jamie.

The stories that have emerged over the last two weeks have given us some extraordinary tales, featuring Peter Andre’s manhood, Instagram sleuthing and phones being dropped into the North Sea.

With Davy Jones now possessing the hottest mobile in football, safely in his locker, it makes you wonder whether Footballers’ Wives was not merely a wild popcorn TV show, but an accurate portrayal of the lifestyle.

But as Rooney marched out of London’s High

Court on Tuesday afternoon, it emerged that he could be given the Freedom of Derby for the way he led the club through the darkest chapter in the club’s history.

Whether you believe Rooney is deserving of such recognition is a matter of personal choice, but to be considered underlines the esteem with which he is held.

Having been hamstrung by the turmoil of the last eight months, a transfer embargo and a 21-point deduction, he has been a tremendous ambassador for the football club and the city. Throughout all the catastrophes that would have tested the most experienced managers, he brought focus to a dressing room that could have easily been distracted by a perilous financial situation. Nobody could have blamed him for wanting to walk away, given the myriad of problems he faced on a day-today basis, but he showed tremendous loyalty.

He produced a team of which the fans could be proud and had they not been punished for breaking rules that were out of his control, they would be preparing for a trip to Middlesbrough rather than Morecambe next season.

After inspiring some wonderful performances – among them, disposing of title-winners, Fulham – Rooney’s stock has risen considerably as a result.

Predictably, he was linked to the Everton job, while Manchester United had considered him for a coaching role alongside Erik ten Hag.

But he rejected the chance to talk to Everton in the wake of Rafa Benitez’s departure, having made it clear that his heart remained with Derby in their hour of need.

Rooney has since reinforced his commitment in the aftermath of relegation by insisting he wanted to oversee the rebuild of the club once

Chris Kirchner’s takeover is finally completed.

The American businessman is inching closer to taking full control at Pride Park after the EFL confirmed they had given him conditional approval, although the issues regarding the stadium must reach a successful conclusion.

But once Kirchner has secured the future of one of the founding members of the Football League, his immediate task will be to then secure Rooney on a long-term contract.

His current deal expires next summer and the last uncertainty Derby need is speculation surrounding their manager, the man who has fostered an incredible bond with the supporters.

The fans are hoping for a bright future under Kirchner and he must now ensure Rooney is at the centre of it.

Was Footballers’ Wives merely a wild popcorn TV show or an accurate portrayal of the lifestyle?

Leigh Curtis