Wayne Rooney addresses Derby County’s off-field issues

Derby County boss Wayne Rooney has called on the East Midlands club to get their off-field issues “sorted out”.

On the pitch, the Rams continue to impress and moved to within four points of safety with their 3-1 win against Hull City on Tuesday evening.

Despite being deducted 21 points this season and only having a threadbare squad, Rooney and his players have made an escape that once looked out of the question completely into a realistic target.

However, there remains uncertainty about the future of the club due to the ongoing off-field issues.

Speaking to the Mirror at the premiere for his new documentary, Rooney, the Derby manager addressed the current situation at Pride Park.

He said: “I think what the fans appreciate is, whether we win, lose or draw, they see the players going on to the pitch and fighting for the shirt.

“That’s what fans want to see We’ve brought some quality to the performances – some very good results – and the fans appreciate that. If we keep giving them that, the fans will be happy.

“It’s obviously the stuff off the field that needs to get sorted out.”

Derby went into administration in September but despite a number of false dawns, new owners are yet to take charge – with Middlesbrough and Wycombe’s legal claims against the club thought to be a current obstacle to any deal.

The Rams travel to the Riverside to take on Boro on Saturday, in what promises to be an intriguing contest in which emotions may run high.

The Verdict

Rooney’s comments call for the situation to be sorted will likely be echoed by all Derby fans.

It’s remarkable that despite the off-field chaos and continued threats to the club’s future, the Rams have managed to close the gap on the sides above them and are now just four