Steve McClaren rejoins Derby as advisor and technical director with possible Wayne Rooney manager link-up on cards
DERBY COUNTY have announced the appointment of Steve McClaren as advisor and technical director.
The Rams are on the brink of a £60million takeover from Derventio Holdings, which is owned by Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed al-Nehayan of the Abu Dhabi Royal Family.
But while the deal rumbles on in the background, having been given the green light by the EFL, the Rams’ incumbent owners are seeking to reverse sliding fortunes on the pitch.
Upon announcing McClaren’s return, CEO Stephen Pearce said: “We are delighted to have Steve’s help and support at this critical time.
“His knowledge, experience, and academic qualifications will be invaluable to us. I am sure he will make a huge contribution.”
Derby were expected to challenge for promotion this season, having come tenth last time out.
But they currently sit bottom after a dismal start to the campaign, which led to the sacking of Phillip Cocu earlier this month.
And in returning to Pride Park, McClaren will reunite with his former England talisman Wayne Rooney.
The pair worked together during the former’s ill-fated tenure as Three Lions boss between 2006 and 2007.
Rooney, 35, is currently in charge on an interim basis alongside Liam Rosenior.
Most read in Football
But the duo have so far failed to arrest the slump, losing 1-0 at Bristol City on Saturday.
According to TEAMtalk, Rooney wants McClaren to be part of his coaching staff, should he get the managerial gig full-time.
McClaren initially represented the Rams as a player between 1985 and 1988, making 25 appearances for the club.
He then returned as manager in 2013, coming within a whisker of taking his old side back to the Premier League.
Derby lost the 2013-14 play-off final 1-0 to QPR in his first year in charge, before a late season meltdown cost them even a top-six spot the season after, blowing promotion having been league leaders in February.
Following a subsequent spell at Newcastle, he returned once again to Pride Park in October 2016, but failed to replicate any of the old magic, being sacked just five months later.