ROONEY GETS RAMS CAREER OFF TO A FLIER
Waghorn seals it as effervescent Wayne marks Derby start by pulling all the strings
THE familiar chant rang out around Pride Park last night.
“Rooney, Rooney” was the song that greeted his every game for England during a glittering career for club and country.
This, of course, was a far cry from Wayne Rooney’s glory days as the 34-year-old began what will surely be his final chapter as a player.
Glimpses of the old magic were there – Rooney supplying an inch-perfect free-kick for Jack Marriott to give Derby the lead just before half-time as life in the Championship began with a victory for England’s former captain.
Incredibly, it was Rooney’s 174th career assist as the statistics and honours continued to mount for arguably the most talented England player of his generation. It got the home crowd out of their seats for another chorus as Rooney rolled back the years one more time.
World Cups,
European Championships, Premier League titles and Champions League finals felt a distant memory on a cold January night in the East Midlands.
It was hardly vintage Rooney as he huffed and puffed while the game often passed him by at a frantic pace as the ex-England forward battled to stamp his authority on a scrappy affair.
Little wonder as Barnsley are second from bottom and Derby have been struggling for form and results under Dutch manager Phillip Cocu this season.
Rooney at least has given them something to shout about and it was easy to see he has not lost the old magic.
His passing was simple but accurate, his lay-offs were spot on and he was trying to get about the pitch, showing all of his old hunger and desire. He started as the most advanced midfielder but dropped deeper as the game wore on. But the old flair was there for all to see in the 45th minute. Rooney grabbed the ball as he demanded to take a free-kick, looked up and floated a perfect ball into the box for Marriott to score from 10 yards out.
It was a wonderful moment and Rooney went straight to the touchline to celebrate with Cocu. Derby fans have already made him one of their own.
Elliot Simoes levelled for Barnsley just after half-time but Martyn Waghorn ensured Rooney’s night ended with a win.
It has felt like something of a gimmick with Rooney wearing No32 on the back of his shirt to plug Derby’s sponsors 32Red, the online bookmaker.
Rooney’s debut was further overshadowed by Derby failing to pay their players on time, eventually paying them a day
late after a new investment deal was held up.
But it is what Rooney has signed up for, leaving DC United and a comfortable life in Major League Soccer to put his reputation on the line in the Championship before eyeing a move into management while the endorsements will help pay his £100,000-a-week contract.
One thing that should never be forgotten is Rooney’s love of the game. He still looks like the kid in the playground, cherishing every minute. He still looks a class act.
DERBY (4-3-3): Hamer 6; Wisdom 7, Davies 6, Clarke 6, Lowe 7; Bird 7, Holmes 8, Knight 6; Rooney 7, Waghorn 7 (Malone 74), Marriott 6 (Whittaker 82).
Goals: Marriott 45, Waghorn 57.
BARNSLEY (4-3-3): Sahin-Radlinger 6; Williams 6, Diaby 6, Andersen 6, Oduor 6; Thomas 6, Halme 7, Bähre 5 (Simoes 26, 7); Mowatt 6, Chaplin 6, Schmidt 5 (Brown 52, 6). Goal: Simoes 50.