Wayne Rooney’s managerial debut ended in disappointment as he saw his Derby County side’s relegation fears worsen with a home defeat by Rotherham United.
Jamie Lindsay scored the only goal of the game on 86 minutes to condemn the Rams to their 12th league defeat of the season.
The result drops Derby to second bottom in the Championship with Rotherham going one place above them into 22nd on goal difference – both teams have 19 points. Sheffield Wednesday sit ahead of both and outside the drop zone on goal difference.
Saturday’s encounter means Derby have played exactly half of their league fixtures this season – highlighting the difficult task Rooney faces. Rotherham in contrast have two games in hand on the their conquered opponents.
Optimism had grown around Pride Park following the announcement of Rooney as their permanent manager on Friday afternoon.
The 35-year-old signed a two-and-a-half year deal to take charge of the Rams until the summer of 2023 as they look to maintain their Championship status this season.
As a direct result of the appointment, Rooney announced his decision to retire from playing with immediate effect to concentrate solely on the role.
His retirement brought down the curtain on an illustrious career in which he became the record goalscorer for the England national team and won every conceivable honour with Manchester United.
He only joined Derby a year ago – joining on an 18-month contract as a player-coach from MLS side DC United.
However, his role changed in November when Phillip Cocu was sacked as Derby manager. As a result, Rooney became caretaker manager.
And after going unbeaten in seven of his nine matches during that spell, the Derby board decided to appoint Rooney – signalling an end to his stunning playing career.
‘When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club. The Stadium, Training Ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive,’ he told the club’s official website on Friday.
‘Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.
‘To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone in involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.’
And speaking about the Rams’ new era under Rooney, their chief executive officer Stephen Pearce couldn’t contain his excitement.
‘Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances, notably the 2-0 home win over Swansea City and the 4-0 victory at Birmingham City.
‘During that nine-game run we also dramatically improved their defensive record and registered five clean sheets in the process, while in the attacking third we became more effective and ruthless too.
‘Those foundations have provided a platform for the club to build on in the second half of the season under Wayne’s guidance.’
Liam Rosenior takes up the role of assistant manager, with former England boss Steve McClaren continuing as technical director and advisor to the board of directors.
Shay Given will become first-team coach and Justin Walker will remain as first-team development coach.
Rooney and his backroom staff will be hoping they can return to winning ways on Tuesday evening when they host Bournemouth.
