Derby players throw support behind Wayne Rooney becoming full-time boss

Wayne Rooney has the support of Derby’s players to become the club’s full-time boss after impressing them during his four games at the helm.

The former England captain is unbeaten since he was promoted to lead Derby’s interim coaching team last month, and the Rams are now only one point adrift of safety in the Championship after Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Brentford.

Yet until the proposed £60million takeover by Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan – a cousin of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour – is completed, Derby are unlikely to make a permanent appointment.

Wayne Rooney (left) can count on support of his players as he bids to land the Derby job

A four-game unbeaten run since he took sole charge of an interim coaching team has left players impressed and they are ready to endorse Rooney to land the job full-time

Rooney has made no secret of his desire to land the post and he has made a positive impact on the squad since taking charge.

Players have welcomed the simplified playing style – Derby are now far harder to beat and move the ball more quickly from back to front – and are said to be enjoying training once again.

Rooney himself has stepped back from playing since becoming manager and is not taking part in sessions.

Rooney has made no secret of his desire to be the full-time successor to the axed Phillip Cocu

The 35-year-old felt Derby’s approach had become too complicated under Phillip Cocu, who was sacked nearly a month ago, and – along with coaches Liam Rosenior, Justin Walker and Shay Given – has settled on a more basic tactical plan.

Though goals are still a problem – Derby have scored three in their last four games – they have conceded only twice under Rooney.

‘I said when I took this role I believe in myself and I am confident I can do this job, and be successful at doing this job, and nothing has changed,’ Rooney said.

‘I don’t want to take any credit from what the players are doing because I think we are giving them ideas and setting them up with how we feel we can get points.

‘I am delighted from where we were four games ago to where we are now. There has been massive improvement and it is clear for everyone to see that. There is a confidence and belief running through the team.’