WAYNE ROONEY is Derby’s new interim boss after the shock axing of Phillip Cocu.
Former England and Manchester United star Rooney, 35, takes the reins with Liam Rosenior as Dutchman Cocu’s backroom staff were also dumped.
Wayne Rooney has been added to the coaching staff after Derby sacked Phillip CocuCredit: Reuters
Cocu and Rooney worked together closely as skipper and coachCredit: Rex Features
Derby skipper Rooney said: “I am sorry Phillip and his staff have left the club.
“And I want to thank him personally for all of his help and encouragement as part of the coaching staff.
“The most important thing now is to stabilise the club and start moving up the table. I have been asked to be part of the staff to help the team’s preparations for next Saturday’s vital match at Bristol City.”
Rooney, Rosenior and fellow coaches Shay Given and Justin Walker will oversee training.
And Roo added: “The coaches and I will speak with players on Monday.”
Former Premier League keeper Shay Given is one of four interim coachesCredit: PA:Press Association
Liam Rosenior will also share first-team duties Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Former Barcelona and Holland midfielder Cocu, 50, only took charge at Pride Park in July 2019.
But the Rams are rooted to the bottom of the Championship and have won just one of their 11 league matches this term.
Cocu said: “Although this season has not gone as we all would have liked on the pitch I believe passionately in the project that we started to build.”
Rooney does not have his coaching badges yet, so respected coach Rosenior will be the senior qualified face in the dug-out for the time being.
But Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan and his team have made no contact with Rooney or his camp during their bid to buy the club.
Although there has been agreement for over a week there has been no feeler put out in his direction, raising doubts about whether the Arab and his advisers have other candidates in mind.
Aston Villa coach John Terry’s name has been whispered while Steve McClaren could be asked back in a senior role.
A Derby statement read: “Derby and Phillip Cocu have parted company by mutual agreement with immediate effect.
“Assistant manager Chris van der Weerden and first-team coach Twan Scheepers also left the club by mutual agreement.
“The club would like to record its appreciation for the way Phillip and his staff conducted themselves in what were some extremely challenging situations during his tenure.
“Phillip made significant financial contributions and personal efforts towards the club’s community projects during the Covid-19 pandemic, which the club are extremely grateful for.”
Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney in line for Derby job as Rams chiefs lose patience with manager Phillip Cocu
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
