Wayne Rooney has been appointed the manager of Derby County, a move that has seen England’s all-time record goalscorer call time on his illustrious playing career.
The 35-year-old has been acting interim manager since November, following the sacking of Phillip Cocu, but has now been given a two-and-a-half-year contract to take on the role permanently. He will continue to be supported by Liam Rosenior, who will take on the role of assistant manager, while Shay Given will become the club’s first-team coach. Steve McClaren will remain the club’s technical director and adviser to the board of directors.
Derby hope the appointment will help stabilise the Championship club, with some members of the first-team squad and coaching staff awaiting December wages amid a backdrop of a protracted takeover led by Sheikh Khaled, a cousin of the Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour.
“When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby,” said Rooney. “The stadium, training ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and, of course, the fanbase 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 in 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. Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.”
Rooney earned 120 caps for England, scoring 53 goals, and won five Premier League titles with Manchester United, plus the Champions League in 2008.
Source: theguardian
