It's been a difficult week for Derby County and all involved at Pride Park.
The club revealed they will be appointing administrators after failing to seek new ownership, with revenue streams impacted by Covid-19 leaving them no choice.
Manager Wayne Rooney spoke to Sky Sports earlier and said he found out about the club's troubles on TV. "I've seen it on Sky," he said.
"I spoke to Stephen Pearce (CFO) after but initially I saw it on the TV. I have spoken to Stephen, I haven’t spoken with Mel (Chairman). I am sure he has got other things on his mind."
The club's board of directors has issued a statement this evening.#DCFC
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) September 17, 2021
Rooney wasn't phased by the news coming into Saturday's game, as Derby ended up winning 2-1 at home against Stoke City.
"In terms of the preparations, that was all done," he said. "Obviously I'd already named the team. We'd worked on how we want to play."
Speaking after the game, the Derby boss was emotional in what will ultimately be a tough few weeks ahead for staff members.
"We're obviously in a very difficult position and listen, all fans want to see is players working, putting the effort in. I'll keep doing my job to make sure they're doing that."
"I know next week is going to be a very difficult week. I'm sure there'll be staff that will lose their jobs, which is heartbreaking."
"Obviously with the way the world's been the last couple of years - they've got mortgages, they've got bills to pay. It's horrendous. I'll do everything I can to try and support and try help the staff."
🗣 "Staff will lose their jobs which is heartbreaking. They've got mortgages, bills to pay, it's horrendous and I will do everything I can to help the staff"
Wayne Rooney's emotional post-match interview following Derby County's win after a difficult 24 hours for the club pic.twitter.com/u9DSCoRLam— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 18, 2021
Despite the points deduction and what will be a difficult few weeks ahead, the former Manchester United and England standout is remaining optimistic.
"We've got a lot of good people who work at the club, who've been here for a long time so we'll try to stick together."
"We will get through it, it's my job to make sure we get through it as best we can."
Derby are also undergoing a transfer ban, having successfully defended a points deduction which could have seen them relegated last season.
They've enjoyed a relatively positive start to the new Championship campaign, having only lost two matches in nine so far.
Additional reporting by PA
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