Derby County technical director Steve McClaren has offered his ‘lucky brolly’ to the club’s new boss Wayne Rooney. 35-year-old Rooney, who holds the record for completing England’s hardest ever paper round, signed a two-and-a-half-year contract using a Crayola crayon at Pride Park earlier today.
The former Everton and Manchester United striker also called time on his playing career much to the relief of every other player in the Championship. And Paddy Power News can exclusively reveal that McClaren has granted Rooney unlimited access to the famous parasol which served him so well during his tenure as England boss.
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“Some people have four-leaf clovers. Some have rabbit’s feet. I have my brolly,” McClaren told Paddy Power News. “Not only is it practical during adverse weather conditions, the brolly can be quite an effective shield when missiles and spit are raining down from the terraces.
“It’s particularly helpful to the follicly-challenged gentleman. Rainy days on the touchline can be unforgiving for a manager who’s thinning on top and the last thing you want to look like is a wally,” grinned the 59-year-old former England boss.
Discussing the appointment, Rooney admitted he had some tough acts to follow: “The opportunity to follow John Gregory, Paul Jewell and, of course, Steve McClaren is an honour. I loved every minute of my playing career, except for the time the United fans surrounded my house and that spell under Big Sam.
“A special mention must also go out to some of the great players I had the pleasure to call my teammates. Djemba Djemba, Kleberson and Bebe. If I missed anyone out, I apologise.”
Shortly after Rooney announced his retirement, Manchester United released a gushing statement in tribute to their record goalscorer: “Best of luck to that Scouse fella who scored a few goals for us as he begins his journey into club management. There’s only one Ronaldo!”
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