Derby finally appoint Wayne Rooney’s successor as Paul Warne hired as new manager

The 49-year-old leaves Championship Rotherham to replace interim boss Liam Rosenior and succeed Wayne Rooney.

Mark Walker
Thursday 22 September 2022 14:16 BST
Comments
Paul Warne won promotion to the Sky Bet Championship three times as Rotherham boss (Steven Paston/PA)
Paul Warne won promotion to the Sky Bet Championship three times as Rotherham boss (Steven Paston/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Derby have confirmed the appointment of Paul Warne as the club’s new permanent manager.

Warne, 49, who has won promotion to the Sky Bet Championship three times with Rotherham, emerged as favourite to succeed Wayne Rooney earlier in the week after the Rams began the season under interim boss Liam Rosenior.

Derby said in a statement: “Derby County Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Warne as head coach.

“Warne has joined the club with immediate effect on a contract until the summer of 2026.

“As was made clear in the summer, the board intended to take a period of time evaluating every aspect of the club and having done that, we believe Paul’s track record of success at this level fits perfectly into our long-term strategy.”

Caretaker boss Rosenior had been backed by Derby’s new owners Clowes Developments to make the job his own after Rooney resigned in June.

But the 38-year-old, who had been Rooney’s assistant, has been relieved of his duties and it is not clear whether he will remain at Pride Park.

Derby confirmed Warne’s Rotherham coaching staff – assistant head coach Richie Barker, first team coach Matt Hamshaw and first team goalkeeper coach Andy Warrington – have joined him at the club.

The Rams said: “Paul’s arrival means the end of Liam Rosenior’s tenure as interim manager and, on behalf of everyone at Pride Park Stadium, we would like to thank Liam for all his efforts during an incredibly difficult period and in helping to stabilise the club under new ownership.”

Warne, who spent six seasons at Rotherham, will take charge of his first game for Derby at Cambridge on October 1 after the international break.

Derby added: “We would also like to thank Rotherham United and their chairman Tony Stewart for all their assistance throughout this process.”

Warne had been in charge of the Millers since 2016 and also oversaw three relegations from the Championship while working under significant financial restraints.

He guided Rotherham to eighth place after nine games this season – their best start in the second tier since the 1960s.

Rotherham said: “While of course we are disappointed to see Paul and his staff depart, they do so with our very best wishes and thanks for their commitment to their roles here with Rotherham United.

“Their departure now provides the club with an exciting opportunity to bring in a new team of coaching staff with a fresh perspective and build on our excellent start to the 2022-23 Sky Bet Championship season.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in