Wayne Rooney begins player-coach stint at Derby County

wayne-rooney-on-sidelines

Derby County assistant coach Wayne Rooney looks on during the English Championship soccer match between Derby County and Queen's Park Rangers at Pride Park. (Tim Goode/AP)

DERBY, England — Former England captain Wayne Rooney was given a rousing reception before taking his place among Derby County’s coaching staff for the first time at the start of his 18-month stint as player-coach at the second-tier English club.

Rooney watched from the dugout as Derby drew with Queens Park Rangers 1-1 at Pride Park on Saturday.

England’s all-time leading scorer, who is not eligible to play until January, had his name chanted by Derby fans when he was introduced to supporters on the field before kickoff. He applauded in reply.

Rooney left Major League Soccer side DC United in October.

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