Derby County is gearing up for their comeback to Championship football in the upcoming season, marking an essential summer ahead.

Securing a second-place finish in League One, Paul Warne’s squad earned their spot in the second tier for the 2024/25 campaign.

Under the completed takeover of David Clowes, a manager extracting the best from his squad, and a fanbase brimming with renewed hope, Pride Park emanates with positivity once more.

Reflecting on the tough days when optimism seemed scarce for Rams supporters, hoping their club would endure each morning, a sense of redemption now fills the air. It’s a sentiment encapsulated by the man who steered Derby through their darkest hours, sparking thoughts that he deserved more time in charge in the East Midlands.

Our Derby County fan pundit, Shaun Woodward, shared his views with Football League World, highlighting Wayne Rooney’s impactful tenure at the club. Shaun voiced his belief that Rooney’s brief stint brought an incredible transformation, uniting the team and fans toward a common goal. Rooney’s leadership style fostered a collective fighting spirit and a sense of unity that nearly led to a miraculous escape from relegation.

Despite facing challenges such as a takeover in progress and unsettled player wages, Rooney guided Derby to safety in the Championship by a razor-thin margin in the 2020/21 season. However, further adversity loomed as the club entered administration in September 2021, followed swiftly by a 12-point deduction.

As fans reminisce about Rooney’s stint at Derby with admiration, many have come to appreciate his dedication and impact during a challenging period. Even in the face of adversity, Rooney’s influence reverberates as a testament to his managerial potential and the indelible mark he left on the club during his tenure.

After facing yet another setback in November 2021 when the football club was penalized with an additional nine points for breaching EFL accounting regulations, the situation appeared bleaker for Rooney’s team. The deduction meant the Rams plummeted to minus three points, a daunting 18 points away from safety, making their chances of remaining in the Championship seem bleak.

Despite these seemingly insurmountable odds, Rooney’s squad refused to succumb to the inevitable relegation. Their relentless determination saw them finish in 23rd place, marking their descent to League One but falling just seven points short of securing their Championship status.

Rooney’s leadership instilled a remarkable fighting spirit in the team, offering Derby fans a glimmer of hope during a period of despair. His players persevered and managed to secure victories when facing overwhelming challenges, earning admiration from supporters and painting a picture of resilience and pride for the football club.

Beyond the pitch, Rooney’s influence in creating a positive team culture at Pride Park was evident. He not only guided the playing squad but also uplifted the overall morale of the club, leaving Derby in a significantly improved state both in their sporting endeavors and off-field operations compared to when he first took charge.