Boss Rooney exits in surprise twist at rollercoaster Rams

WAYNE Rooney has stepped down as manager of embattled Derby County after a rollercoaster 18 months in charge.

The Manchester United and England great joined the Rams in January 2020 as player-coach and hung up his boots when named Derby’s permanent boss in January 2021. He earned praise for the way he has handled a challenging first managerial post after the Rams were plunged into administration at the start of last season and were relegated from the Sky Bet Championship after a combined 21-point deduction.

But Rooney informed the club yesterday that he wished to be relieved of his duties as Derby prepare for life in League One.

“Over the course of the summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County,” said Rooney.

“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.”

Earlier in the day there was the welcome news that Derby’s future appears to have been secured with the sale of Pride Park to a local property developer, which hopes to complete a takeover of the club.

In administration since September last year, fears over the Rams’ future grew last week when American businessman Chris Kirchner withdrew his offer to buy the club. But joint administrators Quantuma have announced they have accepted an interim loan from Derbyshire-based Clowes Developments Ltd, who will submit a formal offer to buy the club having purchased Pride Park.