183
 |
| Defeat by QPR means the financially troubled Rams will play in the third tier for the first time since 1986, with Rooney looking to stay on. |
Derby County manager Wayne Rooney said he hoped former owner Mel Morris loses sleep over the clubโs relegation to the third tier of English football.
Derby were handed two separate deductions worth 21 points for entering administration and breaching financial rules earlier in the season, with their 1-0 loss at Queens Park Rangers confirming their relegation from the Championship.
โHopefully he doesnโt have a good nightโs sleep tonight and that plays on his mind,โ Rooney told the BBC on Monday. โI think he needs to have a think about it. Where the clubโs been left, it was a complete mess.
โI know Mel Morris is a big Derby fan, so Iโm sure heโs sat at home tonight disappointed. We are disappointed as weโve done everything we can to try and not let this happen and worked extremely hard.โ
Despite their relegation, former Manchester United and England striker Rooney said there were a few positives to take out of the season.
โWeโve earned enough points to stay in this division next season and developed some really good, young, local players,โ Rooney said. โIn that sense, the future of the club looks bright. But we need to get over whatโs happened.โ
Derby are in talks on a potential takeover, with American businessman Chris Kirchner declared the preferred bidder earlier this month.
