Wayne Rooney takes Interim Manager at Derby County After Phillip Cocu's Sacking

Wayne Rooney has agreed to take his first steps into management at Derby after club management sacked Phillip Cocu.

The issue on at hand is that the former England captain does not meet the club’s criteria as a permanent manager. 

Cocu received news of his departure on Saturday, with his assistant-manager Chris van der Weerden and first team coach Twan Scheepers also leaving. 

Announcing Cocu’s exit, Derby said: "The club would like to place on record its appreciation for the way Phillip and his staff conducted themselves in what were some extremely challenging situations during his tenure."

Rooney, 35, has been put in interim charge for Saturday’s game against Bristol City, alongside fellow coaches Justin Walker, Shay Given and Liam Rosenior. 

Derby have won only one of their first 11 Championship games, a 1-0 victory against Norwich thanks to a late Rooney goal. 

The club is also awaiting a £60million takeover by Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Khaled. 

The player-coach (Rooney), released a statement saying, "I am sorry that Phillip and his staff have left the club. 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 stabilise the club and start moving up the table. I’ve been asked to be part of the coaching staff to help the team’s preparation for next Saturday’s vital match against Bristol City. 

"The coaches and I will speak with the players on Monday."