Rooney appointed Derby’s permanent manager, ends playing career

FORMER England, Everton and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the permanent manager of Derby County, the Championship club have announced.

Rooney has been managing the club on a caretaker basis for weeks, but he has now officially retired from playing and become their substantive manager.

“Derby County Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Wayne Rooney as the club’s new manager,” the club said in an official statement on Friday.

“The 35-year-old takes up the position on a two-and-half-year deal which will run until the summer of 2023.”

Rooney, who joined Derby as a player in early 2000 after leaving Major League Soccer club DC United, started coaching the second-tier English club towards the end of November after the sacking of Dutchman Phillip Cocu.

Rooney was supported by fellow coaches Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker, and Derby have confirmed the three will retain their positions.

Former Hull City defender Rosenior is now the assistant manager, while former Ireland and Manchester City goalkeeper Given will be first-team coach. 

Walker retains his position as first-team development coach, while Academy goalkeeping coach Jason Pearcey has been appointed as the club’s first-team goalkeeping coach.

Former England and Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren will continue as the technical director and advisor to the board of directors.

During his spell as caretaker manager, Rooney oversaw nine matches in total, recording three victories and four draws.

“In line with taking up the managerial position, Rooney has elected to call time on his illustrious playing career to fully focus on his job,” Derby added in their statement.

“England and Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer, with over 700 professional appearances to his name, joined Derby in January 2020 and appeared in a Rams shirt on 35 occasions.”

Derby County’s Chief Executive Officer Stephen Pearce said: “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Wayne Rooney as our new manager.”

Rooney said: “When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club. 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 and 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.”

On his playing career, Rooney said: Rooney as a player: “Everton as a kid was a dream come true. Manchester United is the highlight of my career, one of the biggest clubs in the world to be there so long, I am grateful for that. Back to Everton, DC United and Derby was about helping the team.”

Rooney’s first match in charge as Derby’s new permanent manager will be Saturday’s Championship clash at home to Rotherham United.