Wayne Rooney is Named as Derby County Manager

Derby County have named Wayne Rooney as their new permanent manager.

Rooney has been in charge of Derby since mid November as caretaker manager following Philip Cocu’s sacking, but the Rams have now decided to employ him as their permanent manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract until June 2023.

Speaking upon being named as the club’s permanent manager, Rooney spoke of following in the footsteps of former Derby managers like Brian Clough and Frank Lampard, Rooney described the opportunity as “such an honour”.

Rooney also spoke of the club’s targets, saying; “I can promise everyone in involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.”

Last January saw Rooney return after spending 18 months in the MLS with D.C. United and the ex England international has spoken of being “completely blown away” by the club’s potential from the stadium to playing staff to academy and fans.

Derby’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Pearce is “delighted” to confirm Rooney as the club’s permanent manager, after helping the club climb out of the relegation zone with 13 points from their last 11 league games.

Pearce also pointed to the club’s improved defensive record with five clean sheets plus more clinical attacking performances as positive progress moving forwards, saying; “These foundations have provided a platform for the club to build on in the second half of the season under Wayne’s guidance.”

Liam Rosenior will be Rooney’s Assistant Manager whilst Shay Given will take up a first-team coaching role.

Justin Walker will stay in his first-team development coaching role whilst Jason Pearcey steps up from the Academy to the first-team in a goalkeeping coaching position which he held in the Rams’ Academy.

Ex manager, Steve McClaren will stay involved as Technical Director and advisor to Derby’s Board of Directors.