England legend Wayne Rooney has landed his first job in football management albeit accidentally.
Rooney has been appointed interim coach of Derby County after manager Phillip Cocu was given his marching orders by the championship club.
Rooney will take charge for Derby’s next game against Bristol City as the club begin their hunt for a new manager.
Rooney moved to Derby in 2020 from MLS outfit DC United with the aim of getting into coaching and since then the former Manchester United man has been a player-coach at Derby.
His side currently sit bottom of the Championship with their only victory coming at Carrow Road where a late strike from a Rooney free-kick earned the Rams all three points.
England’s record goalscorer released a statement following his temporary appointment saying: “I am sorry that Phillip and his staff have left the club. I want to thank him personally for all his help and encouragement as part of his coaching staff.
“The most important thing now is to stabilise the club and start moving up the table.
“I’ve been asked to be part of the coaching staff to help the team’s preparation for next Saturday’s vital match against Bristol City.
“The coaches and I will speak with the players on Monday.”
By Nageem Nawor