Derby name Rooney interim head coach

Wayne Rooney has been named as interim player-head coach at Derby County after Phillip Cocu was sacked on Saturday.

The Dutchman left after taking over in 2019 to replace Frank Lampard. He left Derby bottom of the Championship with just six points.

The former Manchester United striker will head up a new coaching team alongside former Hull City and Brighton defender Liam Rosenior.

The club is set to be taken over by the cousin of Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour within the next week. A new permanent manager won't be selected until the takeover deal is fully complete.

Rooney released a statement saying: “I am sorry that Phillip 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. I have 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.”