Wayne Rooney hints at League One future following Derby County’s relegation
- Planet Sport writer
- 18 April 2022
Derby County boss Wayne Rooney has hinted at the possibility of staying with the Rams in League One, but admitted the club’s future is ‘in doubt’ until the long-awaited takeover is completed.
Derby County's relegation to League One was confirmed on Easter Monday following their loss to Queens Park Rangers.
The 1-0 defeat away in London, coupled with Reading's extraordinary 4-4 draw against Swansea, sealed Derby's fall to the third tier.
Derby haven't been this low in the English football pyramid since 1986, with Wayne Rooney blaming the previous owner for the club's tumultuous season.
Accounting breaches under Mel Morris saw the club face a 21-point deduction earlier in the season. Without the penalty, Derby would have been 17th in the Championship on 52 points.
Speaking after the relegation was confirmed, Rooney said: "We need the takeover to happen quickly. We know what league we'll be in next season now and we can get the players in.
"If the takeover doesn't happen, the club's future is in doubt and my future's in doubt."
He added: "I feel for the players more because (without the points deductions) we'd be safe now. We've paid the price for what the previous owner has left behind.
"It's no-one's fault - not mine, not the players or the staff - but we're paying the price."
The former Manchester United forward has hinted at the possibility of staying with the Rams in the third tier and trying to restore better times at Pride Park.
He said: "I've never seen a team relegated and the crowd react like they did today.
"You can see what it means to the fans. This is a special club and I want to be the one to bring the happy days back."