Wayne Rooney has quit as Derby County manager, admitting the club needs someone with “fresh energy” to lead them in what is an uncertain period regarding the ownership.
Derby remain in administration after a prolonged period of uncertainty that has seen the club relegated to Sky Bet League One.
Rooney received plenty of plaudits for the work done with the club in their battle to avoid the drop.
Rooney said: “Over the course of the Summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County.
“Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club. In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.
“My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge.
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“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. 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.
“Finally, I am aware that the club still have interested parties who wish to take over the running of the club. To them I say this, Derby County is a great club with a great history and great fans. I wish you all the best and much success for the future.”
A spokesperson on behalf of the joint administrators of Derby County Football Club (“The Club”) said: “The joint administrators are very disappointed that Wayne has taken the difficult decision to leave the club and we have spent some time today trying to persuade him to stay but understand his reasons for wanting to go.
“We are extremely grateful to him for his excellent work in the face of challenging on-field circumstances in the 2021/22 season and admire the manner in which he has led the team, the club and the local community through various off-field issues.
“The joint administrators recognise that staff and supporters will be frustrated and equally disappointed by this news, but we all wish him, his wife Coleen and their four boys every success in the future and we are sure they will always be welcomed back.
“All parties recognise the need to conclude a sale of the business and assets of the Club, as a matter of urgency and the joint administrators wish to reconfirm that Wayne’s departure will not affect those ongoing, positive discussions.”
Davies: Rooney protecting his reputation
Derby captain Curtis Davies speaking to Sky Sports News:
“It’s just another bombshell in the life of Derby County. I was told by my friend when I was in the car. I thought he wanted a chat but he was ringing me to tell me the news. It was a big shock but you can’t blame the gaffer after everything that happened last year. He stuck by us when he didn’t need to.
“I was of the idea he was going to stay but with how long the ownership situation has taken, the lack of planning time he’s had with his squad – the season is only a month away and we’ve only got five players. He’s enhanced his reputation with us last season and maybe he wanted to protect that. As a player I’d like to thank him for everything he has done for us – as would the other players and supporters.
“The only person I can see taking charge is Liam Rosenior – he is part of the fabric at the club. If you talking about trying to continue the positivity of last year and the style we played, then he’d be the man I’d put forward.”