Wayne Rooney to supervise Derby County first-team preparations after Cocu's sack

Erstwhile Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney will guide Derby County's first-team preparations as well as fellow coaching staff next Saturday when The Rams lock horns with Bristol City.

Wayne Rooney in action during a Derby County first-team training session. Photo: @waynerooney

Derby County sacked 50-year old Head Coach Philip Cocu following poor results at the club.

Cocu took charge after former Head Coach Frank Lampard left the club in the summer of 2019. The Dutchman guided Derby County to 10th position in his maiden season at the Championship side.

However, after clinching one win from eleven games, Derby County are at the bottom of the table this season.

According to SkySports, Derby captain Rooney is expected to lead training and team selection, with support from coaches Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker.

At this current stage of the club, Rooney has not been appointed as interim or caretaker manager and the former Red Devils playmaker said he is "sorry" after Philip Cocu and his staff parted ways with the Championship side.

Wayne Rooney with his Derby County teammates. Photo: @waynerooney

Rooney further said "the most important thing is to stabilize the club"

"I am sorry that Philip and his staff have left the club and 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."

Rooney has not hesitated to make known his intention to become a manager and that is what propelled his player-coach position at Derby County, he has been doing that since December last year.