Rooney breaks silence on Derby relegation; will remain at club next summer

Wayne Rooney has broken his silence on Derby County's relegation which was confirmed after Swansea City drew with Reading on Monday afternoon.

Rooney's Derby lost narrowly to Queens Park Rangers in their own game and hoped that Swansea could give them another opportunity to fight for survival. The Swans would disappoint, however.

Rooney's side have amassed 52 points this season but have had 21 points deducted as a result of former owner Mel Morris' financial misdemeanours which sent the club into administration.

They currently sit in 23rd on the table and will be going down to League One at the start of next season.

Rooney, who retired from playing and took over the Derby management job in the middle of last season, has now declared that he will remain at the club next season to help build the team back into a strong team who are fit enough for the top echelons of English football.

"We've been relegated, but I've never seen a team get relegated and [get] the reaction of the fans," Rooney told Sky Sports after the final whistle in their game against QPR.

"I thought it was incredible, the support the fans gave the lads all season. Of course, [I'm] disappointed, sad, upset - but [I'm] proud.

"In some ways, we can draw a line under what's happened and really start the rebirth of this club and try to move forward.

"I want to rebuild the club. You see what it means to the fans every week, this is a special club, a big club and we're all proud to be here. I want to be the one to bring the happy days back."

Rooney also admitted to doubts about how the new ownership will affect the club going forward.

The club has been without an owner for close to six months now but it is understood that they will be welcoming new owners soon. However, they remain in limbo and Rooney is fearful of what the new owners might try to change within the club.

"We need the takeover to happen, that has to happen quick," he said. "If the takeover doesn't happen, I fear for where the club will end up. The future is in doubt if that doesn't happen, my future is in doubt if that doesn't happen.

"I feel for the players more because we've picked up 52 points and we'd be safe now in normal circumstances. We've paid the price for what the previous owner has left behind.

"It's no one's fault. Not mine, not the staff, not the players, just the previous owner. We're paying the price and I'm sure it's a sad day for him as well because I know Mel [Morris] is a Derby fan. I'm sure he'll be very disappointed."

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