Derby County appoint Wayne Rooney as Interim manager after Philip Cocu was sacked

Derby County have sacked manager Phillip Cocu and it's been confirmed that ex Manchester United star, Wayne Rooney have been named interim boss.

Wayne Rooney enjoyed spells as a player of the Championship side which he joined from MLS side, DC United two years ago. 

Cocu has been shown the door after poor run of games in the start to the season in the Championship. The Rams currently sit rock bottom of the table, having picked up just six of a possible 33 points available.

The former PSV Eindhoven and Fenerbahce coach, who took over at Derby from Frank Lampard after his departure for Chelsea, leaves the club with a record of 22 victories, 17 draws and 26 defeats in 65 games

"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," the statement read.

"Phillip and his staff helped develop and establish a considerable number of academy players into the first-team squad and Phillip made significant financial contributions and personal efforts towards the club's community projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, which the club are extremely grateful for.

"Derby County wishes to thank Phillip, Chris [van der Weerden, Cocu's assistant] and Twan [Scheepers, a first-team coach] for their hard work and dedication over the last 16 months and wish them every success in their future careers.

"The club will provide further updates when appropriate and will be making no further comment in the meantime."