Derby criticised for Rosenior’s departure

The Times’ Henry Winter has criticised Derby County after it was announced interim manager Liam Rosenior had left the club.

The Lowdown: Rosenior’s reign

Upon Wayne Rooney’s permanent appointment as Rams manager in January 2021, Rosenior took the job as his assistant after spending 18 months working at the club as an individual coach.

Following Rooney’s shock resignation over the summer, the 38-year-old was promoted to caretaker manager, during which time he oversaw the club’s takeover in July and led the squad’s recruitment process after the Midlands outfit exited administration.

The Latest: Rosenior departs

Following the appointment of Paul Warne as the Rams’ new manager, Derby announced Rosenior’s departure from the club. In response, Winter criticised the League One side over that decision, claiming that their former assistant boss will not find it hard to obtain another position due to his high regard within the game.

Taking to Twitter, The Times’ chief football writer proclaimed: “Poor decision. Good coach, popular, thoughtful, represented Club well, worked so hard. New manager coming in so probably inevitable but still a loss. Rosenior will be in demand elsewhere. Because he’s so highly regarded in the game. Good luck to him.”

Where will Derby finish this season?

The Verdict: Promising coach

Having taken charge for 12 games, Derby averaged 1.92 points per match with Rosenior as caretaker manger. This trumps Rooney’s total as Rams boss, with the former Manchester United striker averaging 1.14 points per match during his 17-month tenure.

Having only retired from playing in 2018, Rosenior has already been an assistant manager at two clubs, the other being Premier League high fliers Brighton.

Therefore, with such promising results from comparatively little experience, the 38-year-old could indeed go far in his career as a coach, just as Winter has predicted.