Rooney: “The Support We Have Is Incredible”

Wayne Rooney has thanked Derby County’s supporters for their ‘incredible’ backing.

Derby will make the journey to Sheffield United in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday (3pm kick-off) with a sold out allocated of 2,000 away supporters right behind them.

The club has faced a tough week off the pitch after it was placed into administration on Wednesday.

As a result, the Rams have been docked 12 points by the EFL and that has taken them to the foot of the league table on -2.

While speculation off the pitch has surrounded the club for some time, one thing that has been clear throughout is the unwavering backing of the Derby faithful.

Rooney has stressed that the backing Derby receive is hugely appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed.

“The support we have is incredible and I saw that we had 500 extra tickets as well, which sold out, and that doesn’t go unnoticed by myself and the players,” Rooney told RamsTV. “It’s something we were speaking about as a group. The support from the fans is huge for these players.

“I don’t expect anything different because I know the fans are committed to the club. All I can promise the fans is that we will try and do everything we can to get us out of the mess we are in.

“The effort will be there from the players on the pitch and from myself, the coaches and the players, we thank them for their support because I think they have been incredible over this difficult period and the support they are showing the players means a lot and it does make a difference.”

Derby will make the short journey up the M1 to Bramall Lane in good spirits for their reasonable start to the campaign on the pitch.

Ten points were recorded from their opening eight matches and, with one win and three draws, the side are unbeaten on home turf to date.

A 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion and a 2-1 success against Stoke City at Pride Park Stadium last weekend have seen Rooney’s side pick up four points from their last two outings.

Sheffield United are improving after a slow start to the season under new manager Slavisa Jokanovic and whole Rooney is expecting a difficult test, he remains confident in his players to record a positive result against the Blades.

He said: “The points are so important, now more than ever. We have a tough game on Saturday so the lads will be ready, I have no doubts whatsoever.

“We will do our best. The work, effort will be there and we will do our best to win the game. I have no doubts that the players will go out on the pitch and give everything they can to get three points.

“We know it will be a tough game. Sheffield United have played in different systems this season and they’ve hit a good bit of form over the last few weeks so it will be difficult going there, but we are going there full of confidence having taken four points from out last two matches.

“The lads are confident and I believe it’s a game we can go and win. I’m expecting us to go there and get a positive result, so I’m looking forward to it.”

He added: “We have three games coming up before the international break and we will be focused and determined to get as many points as can.”