Wayne Rooney found out on TV Derby were going into administration with Championship club facing 24 point deduction
DERBY boss Wayne Rooney says he found out the club were going into administration on TV.
The club announced on Friday that they had to file notice to appoint administrators with a failure to identify new owners.
The effects of the coronavirus pandemic left the club with 'no choice' but to go into administration.
And boss Rooney, 35, said he and his players found out watching Sky Sports.
He told ahead of Saturday’s home match with Stoke: "I’ve seen it on Sky.
"I spoke to (chief financial officer) Stephen Pearce after but initially I saw it on the TV.
"I have spoken to Stephen, I haven’t spoken with Mel. I am sure he has got other things on his mind.
"The players had no information and they saw it on Sky as well.”
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And as SunSport's Alan Nixon exclusively revealed, the club have to pay Rooney and his players in days or see their points deduction spiral to at least 24 points.
The Rams already have a three-point suspended punishment for late payments last season.
The suspended punishment could kick in if Derby fail to find funds to pay this month's pay.
And that would go on top of the 12-point penalty for going into administration.
Further Financial Fair Play charges are likely to add another nine points, bringing the points deduction up to an eye watering 24.
An emotional but defiant Rooney vowed to stand by the club, fans and his players.
Speaking after Saturday's match, which Derby won 2-1, Rooney said: "We’re in for a tough week, I know that.
I spoke to (chief financial officer) Stephen Pearce after but initially I saw it on the TV.
Wayne Rooney
“But to see the players putting that effort in and getting the three points was massive, and I can’t stress how proud I am of them players for that performance today.
“I have to keep doing my job, keep preparing the players, getting them ready and again we’re going to have some tough moments, I know that, I understand that.
“But I can’t ask for anything more than what the players have given me and I think those players will get a lot of credit for the performance and the attitude today and they deserve that.”