Rooney’s takeover ground for concern

WAYNE ROONEY has urged former Derby owner Mel Morris to allow the club to be rebuilt this summer.

And he says the Rams still face a big 24 hours, despite Chris Kirchner’s takeover bid.

Rooney saw his side wrap up a turbulent season with defeat at a Pride Park stadium which was at the centre of talks last night.

With Morris still owning the ground, it is the last remaining barrier to prospective new owner Kirchner taking control.

Rooney was back in meetings yesterday as representatives of Derby City Council were at the game and they hope to do a deal to buy the ground.

But the Rams boss says a crucial 24 hours lie ahead and if an agreement cannot be reached then the club’s future will be back in doubt once more.

When asked what his message to Morris is, Rooney said, “Let us rebuild this club”.

A near-30,000 crowd created a party atmosphere, even though their side are heading for League

One. Rooney said: “The stadium is the last thing that needs sorting.

“Meetings were ongoing, I hope it’ll be positive and we can look forward to an exciting summer with players coming in and re-signing contracts.

“If it doesn’t happen, I’m really concerned for the club and where it’ll be left – if there’s one left to maintain. So it’s a big 24 hours.”

Jordan Hugill sealed the win in his last appearance on loan from Norwich.

Eli King created the chance and set up Hugill to pick his spot.

Cardiff manager Steve Morison said: “Jordan ended his loan spell with a goal which was great.”

DERBY: Allsop 6 (Roos (72nd) 6); Cashin 7, Davies 6, Forsyth 6 (Ebosele (65th) 6); Ebiowei 6, Bird 6, Thompson 7, Knight 6; Morrison 6, Lawrence 6 (Plange (59th) 6), Sibley 6

CARDIFF: Phillips 7; Drameh 8, Nelson 7, Flint 7, Denham 5 (Colwill (46th) 6), Bagan 7; Ng 7, King 7 (Davies (63rd) 4 (Watters 78th), Wintle 7; Harris 6, Hugill 7

STAR MAN: Cody Drameh

REF: K Stroud