LONDON — Derby County manager Wayne Rooney said on Saturday that he
had only found out about the financially-stricken club's plan to enter
administration by watching television news bulletins.
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The 35-year-old
former Manchester United and England striker, in his first managerial role,
also confirmed he had yet to speak with County chairman Mel Morris.
Second-tier English
side Derby announced late Friday the club's directors "had no choice but
to make the tough decision" to file notice to appoint administrators
following a failure to secure new owners and because of the impact of COVID-19
on their finances.
"I've seen it on
Sky," Rooney said ahead of Saturday's home match with Stoke in the Championship.
"I spoke to
(chief financial officer) Stephen Pearce after but initially I saw it on the
TV. I have spoken to Stephen, but I haven't spoken with Mel. I am sure he has
got other things on his mind."
The Rams, who headed
into the weekend 16th in the table with seven points from their first seven
matches, are now set to face a mandatory points deduction under league rules
designed to ensure clubs are not disadvantaged by being well-run businesses.
"You could see
this morning it was a bit flat because by me not getting all the information,
the players had no information and they saw it on Sky as well," said
Rooney.
"I spoke to the
players and we have to be professional. We know we are in a difficult position
and there will be a points deduction coming our way, but we must do our job.
"Derby is a
massive club and I have to get the players playing and make it attractive for
potential investors to come into the football club.
"All we can do
is play with a lot of pride. My job is to bring some dignity back to the
football club," he added.
Derby is already
facing separate points penalties for previous breaches of financial fair play
rules.
The Rams avoided
relegation from the Championship on the final day of last season after drawing
3-3 at Pride Park against Sheffield Wednesday.
They were then spared
a points deduction, which would have sent them down, when the English Football
League decided not to appeal against a decision to only fine the club for
failing to comply with finance rules.
Derby's greatest days
were in the 1970s when the Rams were twice crowned champions of England by
winning the old First Division.
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