Wayne Rooney appointed full-time manager of Derby County

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 17 May 2021 20:23 BST
• 2 min read

Wayne Rooney has been appointed as full-time manager of English Championship side Derby County on a deal that will run until 2023.

The former Manchester United striker joined the club as a player-coach in january 2020 and was instantly named captain of the team. 

After 11 months in his hybrid role, Rooney was then appointed as interim manager after Phillip Cocu left by mutual consent, following a string of bad results. 

The English coach took over the reins with the Rams sitting 24th in the English Championship, six points adrift of safety. 

Yet three wins and four draws in Rooney’s first eight games saw the club climb out of the relegation zone and end the year in 20th position. 

As such, the club have now taken the decision to appoint Rooney as full-time manager, with Steve McClaren assuming the role of technical director. 

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“When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club,” said Rooney in a statement on the club website. 

“The stadium, training ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive.

“Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.

“To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour.

“I can promise everyone 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.”

Alongside Rooney, the club CEO Stephen Pearce also shared his delight by adding: “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Wayne Rooney as our new manager.

“Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances, notably the 2-0 home win over Swansea City and the 4-0 victory at Birmingham City.

“During that nine-game run we also dramatically improved their defensive record and registered five clean sheets in the process, while in the attacking third we became more effective and ruthless too.

“Those foundations have provided a platform for the club to build on in the second half of the season under Wayne’s guidance.”