Simon Jordan rips into "fool" Rooney as he slams decision to quit as Derby boss

Wayne Rooney is a 'fool' for leaving crisis-stricken Derby County ahead of the League One season.

That is the view of talkSPORT presenter Simon Jordan, who believes the England and Manchester United legend has made a mistake leaving the Rams following their relegation. Rooney spent 19 months at the helm at Derby, having initially assumed the role on a caretaker basis in November 2020.

The former striker faced a host of problems off the field including administration, a takeover saga and transfer bans. Rooney was praised for his performance last season but was unable to prevent Derby's demotion to the third tier due to a hefty 21-point penalty for entering administration and financial mismanagement under Mel Morris.

READ MORE: Wayne Rooney resigns from Derby County manager role "with immediate effect"

The Premier League Hall of Famer confirmed his shock departure on Friday, with Liam Rosenior stepping into the breach on an interim basis. Clowes Developments have been named preferred bidders by administrators and a takeover could be completed this week, leaving Jordan to question Rooney's decision.

The former Crystal Palace owner told talkSPORT: "He will have learned a lot from this. Someone asked me earlier on if that means he's a shoo-in for a Premier League job. They've bumped their head. He's nowhere near that. I'd be surprised if Wayne got another Championship job any time soon.

"I think he's a bloody fool. You've got a club that's dropped into League One with 28,000 fans that are going to be galvanised up the ying-yang. You've got an owner that's coming in there – he's bought the stadium too, so he's not mucking about – I think he is a fool.

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"If he thinks his currency's going to get better somewhere else, because it's a bit more difficult in League One and it might need a bit more manoeuvring and manipulating… League One is not a division full of quality.

"If Derby can get some players, in the short-term, into the building and build upon it with 28,000 fans and the momentum behind that, you've got to be out of your mind (to leave). That's the place to stay."

Rooney could be heading back to the classroom to complete his coaching badges, according to the Sun, and spending time with is family is another factor cited in his decision to leave. The 36-year-old has been linked with a number of Premier League and Championship posts in recent months, and explained his exit with a lengthy statement.

Rooney wrote: "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."

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