DERBY’S players were not paid on time at the end of December with a new club investment still not sealed.
The squad were due to receive their pay packets on New Year’s Eve but were told by the Championship side of a delay.
Derby players were not paid on time at the end of December due to an incomplete new investmentCredit: PA:Press Association
According to the Mail, the reason for the failure to get the monthly pay cheques out on time was due to the fact that the potential investment has not been signed off.
Derby owner Mel Morris is keen for fresh funding and it is understood he is close to finalising a deal with Henry Gabay, co-founder and chairman of Duet Group.
Morris is working to try and find a resolution, the club told players.
A Rams spokesman confirmed players will be paid on Thursday, threatening to overshadow the day Wayne Rooney is set to make his debut for the club.
The former England captain, 34, is eligible to play for the East Midlands club for the first time after being granted international clearance and securing the required registration on Wednesday.
He has joined from DC United on an 18-month player-coach contract and has the option of extending his stay by a further 12 months.
Expectation will be sky high when he starts playing but we have to give him a few games to build up his minutes and get in the team.
Phillip Cocu
Rooney, who has been training with the club since November, watched the win over Charlton from the dugout but was named as captain for the clash against Barnsley.
It will be the Manchester United legend’s first appearance in England since his testimonial for his the Three Lions in November 2018, seven months after playing for Everton for the final time.
Boss Phillip Cocu said: “He’s fit, he can start but he will need a few games.
“So maybe not perfect from the start but it’s important he will get in the team as soon as possible so we get a certain shape in our team.
“If a player with the qualities, career and the experience of Rooney (is available) you have to be very happy and glad he is here, so I don’t need a suspension to consider him in the first XI, to be honest.
“This is completely different from when he was playing in the USA or the Premier League. That’s also why it’s been good to have him on the bench with us.
“Expectation will be sky high when he starts playing but we have to give him a few games to build up his minutes and get in the team.”
Rooney, meanwhile, has vowed to “fight, work and battle” to get the Rams into the play-offs this season.
He told Sky Sports’ EFL Podcast: “What excites me about the Championship? I don’t know yet!
“It’s a league I’ve always watched. But it’s different to the Premier League, there’s more games for a start. Quality wise, it’s probably not as good as the Premier League.
“But it’s a physical league and I know how a lot of these games go. You have to fight and work and battle to get results. But I’ve no problems with that. I know what to expect.
Wayne Rooney is expected to make his debut for the Championship side against BarnsleyCredit: Rex Features
Wayne Rooney says he’s ready to take on the Championship after helping Derby to beat Barnsley in Rams debut
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
