Wayne Rooney has been told he is ‘very, very lucky’ to still have his job as Derby County manager, with the boss urged to ‘take a right good look at himself’ after his latest tabloid scandal.
The England and Manchester United and young coach has been given some career and life advice from two stalwarts of the game, Ian Holloway and Tony Cascarino.
Rooney apologised to his family and club after images emerged from a drunken night out of the 35-year-old in a hotel room with three women.
Despite widespread criticism, the Rams stood by their head coach, with Rooney expressing his gratitude and regret over the scenes that went viral on social media last week.
“I made a mistake,” he told Sky Sports. “I went to a private party with two of my friends. From me, I would like to apologise to my family and the club for the images which were going round.
“I want to move forward on this. I’m grateful to Derby County for giving me this opportunity to get this club back to where it belongs. I will do everything in my power to do that.”
Holloway is a huge fan of Rooney, and says his ‘phenomenal football brain’ means he deserves a top job in England.
However, the veteran manager urged the former striker to realise the ‘huge responsibility’ he has as a manager and leader, admitting he is fortunate not to have been kicked out by Derby.
“His career was absolutely sensational and I think the game needs his brain in it, adding to the game,” Holloway told talkSPORT 2 on the EFL Show.
“But as a leader you need to do things that will help people want to follow you, and he’s got to realise that right now that job carries a huge responsibility.
“At this moment in time he is very, very lucky they [Derby] are putting up with that.
“It’s a whole new ball game for Wayne and I hope he gets it right, I sincerely hope he gets it right .
“But I think he needs to take a step back and have a right good look at himself.”
Ex-Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker Cascarino also urged Rooney to ‘show more maturity’ having been given a huge opportunity by Derby, but says he has a long way to go to atone for his behaviour.
Dream Team 2021/22 – SIGN UP NOW
PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!
- £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
- £50million budget to build your best XI
- Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
- Click here to play for FREE
- Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store
“I know that Wayne’s behaviour has been questioned by a lot of people,” said the Weekend Sports Breakfast host.
“Chairmen around the country would have looked at Wayne and thought, ‘I’m not sure I would want Wayne at my club’, from what has happened this week.
“Now, Derby are backing him, but there is a world out there within the game where ex-players, pundits, coaches, owners, directors of football clubs will all be thinking, ‘does Wayne deserve the chance to manage a football club of the quality of Derby Country?
“That’s his danger.
“I, like Ian Holloway, would love for Wayne to do well, but he’s got to show a lot more maturity.”