Wayne Rooney makes Derby County admission in wake of Burnley speculation

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney says his focus is on his current club, amid speculation he could replace Sean Dyche at Burnley.

Rooney has impressed many with his work at Derby this season, and were it not for the 21-point deduction they received earlier in the campaign for entering administration, his side would be well clear of the Championship relegation zone.

That is something that has seen Rooney touted for a number of other jobs recently, the latest of which is Burnley.

The Clarets are looking for a new manager after making the surprising decision to sack Sean Dyche on Friday, with the club four points from safety in the Premier League, with eight games to play.

Subsequent reports had suggested that Rooney is among Burnley’s preferred candidates to take over the role, although it seems that is not a move he is planning to make right now.

Speaking after his side’s 2-1 win over Fulham about those claims of a possible move to Turf Moor, the Derby boss was quoted by Derbyshire Live as saying: “I think it is a compliment to me and the staff, and what we have been trying to do here [at Derby], when you are getting linked with Premier League clubs.

“I was surprised when I saw Sean Dyche had been sacked, he has been brilliant for Burnley for the last 10 years.

“I have seen the links in various news articles but for me what is important is I focus on trying to keep the club [Derby] in this division and the future, my future, depends on this takeover, that needs to be completed.”

The Verdict

This does feel like it should be a big relief for those of a Derby County persuasion.

Rooney has done hugely well in extremely difficult circumstances at Pride Park this season, meaning he has shown he has the potential to get the club