Wayne Rooney has been appointed Derby’s manager on a permanent basis, the Championship side has confirmed.
The Manchester United and England legend has put pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half year deal.
Explaining the decision, Derby County’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Pearce, said: “Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances, notably the 2-0 home win over Swansea City and the 4-0 victory at Birmingham City.
“During that nine-game run we also dramatically improved their defensive record and registered five clean sheets in the process, while in the attacking third we became more effective and ruthless too.
“Those foundations have provided a platform for the club to build on in the second half of the season under Wayne’s guidance.”
Upon his appointment Rooney said: “When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club.
“The Stadium, Training Ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive.
“Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.
ROONEY’S INCREDIBLE PLAYING CAREER IN NUMBERS
53 – Goals for England, a national team record.
120 – England caps, a record for an outfield player, five short of Peter Shilton’s overall record.
253 – Club record goal tally for Manchester United.
208 – Goals scored in the Premier League. Only Alan Shearer (260) has scored more.
16 – Rooney was 16 years and 360 days old when he scored his first Premier League goal, for Everton against Arsenal in October 2002, making him then the youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history.
12 – Major honours won with Manchester United – five Premier League titles, three League Cups, an FA Cup, a Champions League, a Europa League and a FIFA Club World Cup.
4 – Professional clubs represented – Everton, Manchester United, DC United and Derby.
366 – career goals for club and country, in 883 games.
“To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone in involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.”
The 35-year-old stepped up to take charge of the Rams in November following Phillip Cocu’s sacking.
Rooney lost just two of his nine matches in interim charge, winning three and drawing four in the process.
The club also confirmed that Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker would retain their positions as part of Rooney’s backroom staff.
Meanwhile, Steve McClaren will continue in his role as technical director and advisor to the board of directors.