Wayne Rooney resigns from Derby County manager role "with immediate effect"

Wayne Rooney has resigned as manager of Derby County "with immediate effect" after the Rams were relegated to League One last season due to ongoing financial issues at the club

Posted Saturday, June 25, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Wayne Rooney resigns from Derby County manager role
Wayne Rooney has left Derby County with immediate effect

Wayne Rooney has resigned as manager of Derby County with immediate effect on Friday afternoon, the club have confirmed.

Derby were relegated to League One last season, after a hefty points deduction due to their ongoing financial situation. And despite initially staying, Rooney has now informed the Rams of his intention to leave Pride Park.

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.

Wayne Rooney resigns from Derby County manager role
Wayne Rooney's Derby were relegated last season

"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."

Wayne Rooney resigns from Derby County manager role
There had been fresh hopes at a takeover before Wayne Rooney left on Friday

Derby's joint administrators added they were disappointed to see Rooney leave, and they had tried, at length, to convince him to stay.

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.

Administrators had said: "This loan will allow the club to start the forthcoming season, and to continue to trade."