Derby County may have struggled to stay in the Championship last season, but manager Wayne Rooney believes he may have found the ticket to get them heading in the right direction again.
The Rams only secured survival in the second tier on the final day of the season after drawing 3-3 with Sheffield Wednesday, having won just one of their last 15 games under the former Manchester United striker.
Rooney took over a club in turmoil mid-season following the dismissal of Phillip Cocu in November when the Rams were rooted to the bottom of the Championship.
Since then the club has been in a crisis off the pitch as well as on it, with two failed takeover bids and surviving a potential points deduction after breaching financial rules.
Having escaped with a £100,000 fine and a warning for the breach earlier in July, the Rams will now be hoping better times lie ahead.
Rooney has since attempted to lighten the mood at Pride Park by inviting former One Direction pop star Niall Horan to the club for pre-season training.
The singer is a big Rams supporter and admitted that he was encouraged by the system and style of play Rooney was planning having watched pre-season following a series of text exchanges which led to an invite at the club.
'I was texting Wayne and he said come down and have a watch,' he told Derby's website.
'The players had an 11 v 11 game and after seeing that, you see what Wayne is trying to do shape-wise.
'I've been a Derby fan since I can remember so to have the opportunity to come down and watch the stuff behind the scenes is amazing.
'Watching him in a meeting and coaching, you can't help thinking "that is Wayne Rooney out there, Manchester United and England's greatest scorer, and he's the manager of our football club".'
Derby will be hoping to drastically move up the Championship table this term, but will begin their pre-season with a tough clash against Rooney's former side United on Sunday at Pride Park.
They round the month off with a trip to Salford City and hosting Spanish side Real Betis before visiting nearby Notts County at the start of August.
Dozadikruy
1
when ever i see Rooney i remember man city
kiddyking17
3
Wayne my favourite player
GGMUSTAR
1
God will help you Wayne Rooney 🙏, you always make me happy during your time at the theatre