Wayne Rooney has stepped down as manager of embattled Derby.
The Manchester United and England great ended his playing career with the Rams before taking his first step into management with the club in November 2020.
Derby were plunged into administration at the start of last season and were relegated from the Sky Bet Championship despite Rooney leading a valiant fight against the drop in the face of a combined 21-point deduction.
Last season Rooney often had to rely on many fringe players and youngsters as Derby attempted to avoid relegation from the Championship.
He was appointed as interim manager in November 2020 having previously been a player at the club. Rooney then took permanent charge in January 2021.
Rooney told Derby’s official website: ‘Over the course of the Summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County.
‘Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club. In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.
‘My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge.
