Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has resigned as manager of League One outfit Derby County “with immediate effect”, after the Rams were relegated last season due to ongoing financial issues at the club.
The club confirmed that Rooney resigned as manager of Derby County with immediate effect on Friday afternoon. The Rams were relegated from the Championship to the League One last season, after a hefty points deduction due to their ongoing financial situation. And despite initially staying, Rooney has now informed the club of his intention to leave Pride Park.
Rooney revealed in a statement 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. 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.
He added: “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.”
Derby’s joint administrators added they were disappointed to see Rooney leave, and they had tried, at length, to convince him to stay. Administrators had said: “This loan will allow the club to start the forthcoming season, and to continue to trade.”
The Rams had seen a breakthrough in takeover hopes, after US businessman Chris Kirchner pulled out of a deal to purchase the club last week. Local businessman David Clowes had issued a short term loan to secure the clubs immediate future.
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