Derby County have officially confirmed that manager Wayne Rooney has informed the club hierarchy of his desire to leave the club and step down from his post.
The Rams boss has released a statement released via the club's official channel that read: "Over the course of the Summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County.
“Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club. In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.
“My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge. Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last eighteen months.
"I will remember my time at Derby with great pride and affection and would like to thank all my staff, players and of course the fans for their incredible support. I will never forget you and hope to see you all again in the near future and in happier times.
"Finally, I am aware that the club still have interested parties who wish to take over the running of the club. To them I say this, Derby County is a great club with a great history and great fans. I wish you all the best and much success for the future."
Rooney took on quite the task at Pride Park for a first managerial role but did his reputation no harm by coming close to keeping the club in the Championship after a hefty point deduction. It wasn't to be and the Rams were relegated to League One.
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A spokesperson on behalf of the joint administrators of Derby County Football Club said: "The joint administrators are very disappointed that Wayne has taken the difficult decision to leave the club and we have spent some time today trying to persuade him to stay but understand his reasons for wanting to go.
"We are extremely grateful to him for his excellent work in the face of challenging on-field circumstances in the 2021/22 season and admire the manner in which he has led the team, the club and the local community through various off-field issues.
"The joint administrators recognise that staff and supporters will be frustrated and equally disappointed by this news, but we all wish him, his wife Coleen and their four boys every success in the future and we are sure they will always be welcomed back."
Given the fact that Rooney came so close to surviving a 21-point deduction, there has long been talk of a Premier League club giving Manchester United's record goal-scorer a chance.
If one was to factor out the points deduction, Derby would have actually finished 17th in the Championship last term with 13 wins under their belt. Their campaign would have finished with 52 points to their name.
Arguably most importantly, Rooney forged a connection with the Derby faithful throughout one of the toughest times in the club's lengthy history - for that and that alone he will always be remembered fondly.
