Phillip Cocu’s dismissal as Derby County manager has put Wayne Rooney in the hot seat on an interim basis for next weekend.
Rooney has confirmed he, along with three senior members of the coaching staff, will take charge of first-team affairs for next weekend’s game between Derby and Bristol City.
The Rams sacked head coach Cocu on Saturday evening after a terrible start to the season has left them bottom of the Championship standings on six points from 11 games (W1 D3 L7) and in a battle for survival.
This has led to a change in personnel over the international break as Cocu and his assistants, Chris van der Weerden and Twan Scheepers, have left.
Rooney, Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker will oversee first-team affairs until Derby have appointed a new manager. How long it takes will probably hinge on whether a reported £60m takeover from the Abu Dhabi Royal Family goes through.
Although Rooney, who became a player-coach upon joining the club in January, hasn’t thrown his name into the ring for the manager’s job as of now.
“I’m sorry Phillip and his staff have left the club,” the former Manchester United and England captain said on BBC Sport.
“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 stabilize the club and start moving up the table.
“I’ve been asked to be part of the coaching staff to help the team’s preparations for next Saturday’s vital match against Bristol City.
“The coaches and I will speak with the players on Monday.”
Aston Villa assistant John Terry and former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe reportedly could be on Derby’s shortlist.
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