Rooney takes blame for rout
THERE was hostility in the stands, but respect in the dugout after Middlesbrough comfortably saw off Derby to move into the Championship play-off spots.
Bad blood between the two sets of supporters stems from the threat Boro owner Steve Gibson held over Derby for a potential loss of millions of pounds, while Mel Morris was trying to bankroll a Premier League charge.
With that hanging over them, no prospective owners have been able to take over the beleaguered Pride Park club, operating with a 21-point deduction this season.
It has been a baptism of fire for Wayne Rooney as a manager, but he has earned the respect of Boro counterpart Chris Wilder — a veteran of two decades in the job.
‘I think he’s done a brilliant job,’ Wilder said. ‘I know how difficult it is. I see so many players and managers take the easy route out.
They are certainly not doing that. They are alive and kicking.
‘For them to be in touch is a brilliant achievement and I’m sure it’s not finished yet.’
Derby were the architects of their own downfall as they gifted Boro the opener after a quarter of an hour. Liam Thompson should have cleared but was tackled by Isaiah Jones, whose cross was steered into his own net by makeshift centre half Lee Buchanan.
Derby’s equaliser was one of real quality as Max Bird struck a brilliant 25-yard volley when a free-kick was cleared out to him. But they were level for just five minutes before the hosts, led by the irrepressible Jones, scored twice in four minutes before the break.
First Aaron Connolly had his shot deflected off Curtis Davies and wrong-foot goalkeeper Ryan Allsop before more fancy footwork from Jones tormented Derby’s left side again, as he grabbed his third assist when his cross was tapped in by Matt Crooks. Crooks had earlier been booked for a challenge on Bird, which Rooney said deserved a red.
Substitute Duncan Watmore added a fourth in the 89th minute after more poor defending.
Boro moved up to sixth, while Derby remain four points from safety. ‘It’s a disappointing result but I take responsibility for it,’ said Rooney. ‘It may be good timing as a reminder of where we are at and not to get complacent.’