Wayne Rooney has set his sights on taking Derby County to the next level after avoiding relegation to League One.
The 35-year-old former Manchester United striker and all-time record goalscorer hung up his boots in January to take over as Derby manager on a permanent basis. His job was to keep them up which he achieved on the final day of the season.
Asked whether he was enjoying his job, Rooney told Rams TV (quotes from Derby Telegraph): “I am loving it. I knew from when I was a very young lad that I wanted to come into management.
“I am grateful to this football club and Mel Morris for putting me in charge and having faith in me. Now it is on me to repay that, and the best way to repay that is to win games.
“I am committed to the club; I feel now we have got through a very tough period and there is a great opportunity now for us to push forward.”
He added: “As I said when I took the job, I am a confident person, I am confident in myself and confident in the staff that I have got working with me.
“We need to keep on working, I think that is very clear for everyone to see.
“Our plans we have got in place will help us move forward if we put them into action then we will be in a completely different place next season.
“I believe in myself to develop this team and give us the best chance moving forward.”
There is a proposed takeover by Spanish business Erik Alonso after fallen through, with the club believed to be in talks with other potential buyers. Rooney will still be hoping to improve his squad to ensure this time next year they aren’t talking about narrowing avoiding relegation to League One – or worse…
We continue to wish Rooney the very best with his job at Derby.
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