Rooney reflects on highs, lows on the pitch
WINS AGAINST PROMOTED SIDES WERE MEMORABLE
DERBY County manager Wayne Rooney has singled out wins against Fulham, Bournemouth and West Bromwioch Albion as highlights in a season in which the Rams displayed terrific resilience against constant mounting odds but fell short of Championship survival.
They will be playing in League One next season after finishing the 2021-22 campaign 23rd on 34 points, having had 21 points deducted for the club’s offthe-field issues.
They won 14 and drew 13 of their 46 League fixtures, scored 45 goals and conceded 53, and the curtain came down with them seven points from safety.
Rooney’s first full season as a manager has been a baptism of fire given all the obstacles and uncertainty off the pitch but he has impressed in the way he has galvanised the squad in difficult circumstances and how he has helped to forge a bond between the team and the fans, as was seen again before, during and after Saturday’s final game against Cardiff City at Pride Park Stadium.
Rooney has looked back at the highs and the lows this season on the pitch.
“There are a few moments in the season which have been big moments, sometimes for the team, sometimes for the individual player,” he said.
“I think if you look at the top teams in the League, beating Fulham, beating Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion, a big club, there have been moments like that.” Derby took four points off champions Fulham by drawing 0-0 at Craven Cottage in November and winning 2-1 at Pride Park last month. The victory over Bournemouth, who have also been promoted, came in November when skipper Tom Lawrence scored twice in a 3-2 win.
Rooney also highlights the 2-0 home victory over Sheffield United in January which came at a time when key defender Phil Jagielka’s contract had not been renewed due to the club’s transfer embargo and
When Jagielka and Shinnie left I know how tough that was, how difficult and disappointing it was for the lads in the dressing room, and so to go out and beat Sheffield United, I think that was a big moment.
midfielder Graeme Shinnie was about to be sold to Wigan Athletic.
“I think when Jagielka and Shinnie left I know how tough that was, how difficult and disappointing it was for the lads in the dressing room, and so to go out and beat Sheffield United, I think that was a big moment,” said Rooney.
The development and progress of a number of young players during the season has been a big plus.
Eiran Cashin, Liam Thompson, Malcolm Ebiowei, Festy Ebosele and Luke Plange became regular starters and handled a tough situation admirably.
“Liam Thompson’s debut against
Bournemouth was incredible,” said Rooney.
“Some of the performances Malcolm has given us, Cashin coming in, a lot of the young players – there have been a lot of moments.”
Rooney also made special mention of experienced defender Curtis Davies. The 37-year-old played every minute of the 46 League games.
What about the low moments on the pitch?
“There have been a few in terms of some results,” added Rooney.
“Preston away, we dominated the game and didn’t win (the game ended goalless).
Wayne Rooney
“Blackburn away, we had such a good first half and we didn’t win (they lost 3-1), so there have been disappointing moments which you get in the Championship and in football.
“The majority of them (the low moments) have been off the pitch, which have been a theme all season, really, so I think you have to give a lot of praise to the players and the character they have shown.
“I am really proud of all the players and what they have tried to achieve.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t do it but what they have brought to the club this year is something special.”