Former D.C. United star striker Wayne Rooney is no longer the manager of soon-to-be English League One side Derby County. The club announced the news on social media, saying that Rooney informed them on Friday that “he wishes to be relieved of his duties.”
Derby County had a disappointing season that saw them relegated from the Championship after finishing 23rd out of 24 teams. However, there was little Rooney could do to prevent this scenario due to various issues surrounding the club. This included a transfer embargo and 21 points deduction for entering administration and financial irregularities.
Despite all of this, Rooney was reportedly willing to stay with Derby under the condition that the club gets new owners. However, that seems unlikely to happen anytime soon after U.S. businessman Chris Kirchner decided to withdraw his bid. Kirchner received approval for the takeover but then failed to prove he had the funds to complete it.
“Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last eighteen months, said Rooney in a statement. “I will remember my time at Derby with great pride and affection and would like to thank all my staff, players, and of course the fans for their incredible support. I will never forget you and hope to see you all again in the near future and in happier times.”
Rooney joined Derby in 2019 in a player-coach role despite having two years left on his deal with MLS side D.C. United at the time. He was appointed manager in late 2020 after Phillip Cocu stepped down and posted a 24-22-39 record since then.
