Wayne Rooney hits out at Derby owner’s ‘disrespect’

Derby manager Wayne Rooney is facing a further damaging blow of nine points being docked for financial breaches, just days after the club were deducted 12 points for going into administration.

Derby’s long-running wrangle with the English Football League is expected to result in further sanctions and an imposed business plan. Derby’s administrators are understood to have reluctantly accepted the punishment, yet said that they were confident the club would find a buyer later this year.

Andrew Hosking, the administrator for business advisory firm Quantuma, revealed that up to six parties, including some that are “serious and well funded”, have already registered their interest.

Staff and players will be paid this month, with the funds coming from ticket sales and other revenue, while talks are continuing to secure funding for the next three months.

Rooney, meanwhile, has accused owner Mel Morris of being “disrespectful” for not keeping him informed about the club’s perilous situation. He revealed that he had not spoken to Morris for weeks and yesterday said: “I find that a little bit disrespectful, if I’m being honest. There was no phone call, no message.

“It was not sincere or heartfelt enough [when Morris addressed staff and players this week],” added Rooney. “Staff said they got more out of a five-minute meeting with me than with 45 minutes with Mel Morris. We have to now put him to the back of our minds and move on.”