WAYNE ROONEY has QUIT as boss of Derby County after talks with the club’s administrators.
The news came just hours after lifelong fan and property tycoon David Clowes seemingly rode to the Rams’ rescue.
Stunned supporters were left reeling after their initial joy at dodging liquidation – and imminent takeover – was swiftly overshadowed by the sudden and unexpected loss of Rooney.
Manchester United and England legend Rooney won rave reviews in charge of the Rams last season.
Rooney almost kept the club in the Championship despite starting the season with a 12-point deduction.
Rooney told the club website: “Over the course of the summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County.
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“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.”
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Rooney has been on holiday in Dubai and Ibiza with Coleen and his family in the weeks since the ‘Wagatha Christie’ trial with Rebekah Vardy.
He was set for an awkward reunion with ex-England team-mate Jamie after Derby announced a pre-season friendly with Leicester
He added: “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.
“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.”
A spokesperson on behalf of the joint administrators of Derby County Football Club said: “The joint administrators are very disappointed that Wayne has taken the difficult decision to leave the club and we have spent some time today trying to persuade him to stay but understand his reasons for wanting to go.
“We are extremely grateful to him for his excellent work in the face of challenging on-field circumstances in the 2021-22 season and admire the manner in which he has led the team, the club and the local community through various off-field issues.
“The joint administrators recognise that staff and supporters will be frustrated and equally disappointed by this news, but we all wish him, his wife Coleen and their four boys every success in the future and we are sure they will always be welcomed back.
“All parties recognise the need to conclude a sale of the business and assets of the club, as a matter of urgency and the joint administrators wish to reconfirm that Wayne’s departure will not affect those ongoing, positive discussions.”
Wayne Rooney at Derby
14 November 2020 – 24 June 2022
Played: 85
Won: 24
Drawn: 22
Lost: 39
Win percentage: 28.2%
Bookies now have Rooney’s next most likely destination as boyhood club Everton, ahead of Southampton and Norwich City.
The news will rock Derby as it comes just hours after a local businessman expressed an interest in buying the club.
The Rams have been in administration since September last year and fears over their future increased last week when American businessman Chris Kirchner withdrew his offer to purchase the third-tier side.
Joint administrators Quantum announced they have accepted a loan from Derbyshire-based Clowes Developments Ltd, who, having confirmed they have purchased Pride Park, will submit a formal offer to buy the club.
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David Clowes, chairman of the property company, is a Derby supporter.
Derby’s administrators also released a statement which read: “Very pleased to confirm that following a period of negotiation, Derbyshire based property group, Clowes Developments has issued interim loan to club.
“This loan will allow club to start the forthcoming season, and to continue to trade.”