Wayne Rooney Denied Freedom Of Derby Honour Despite Impressive Feat With Derby County

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Adesina David

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Councillors have all voted in unison against plans to honor Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney with the Freedom of Derby.

The idea had initially been put forward due to the Englishman's effort in stopping Derby County from being relegated to League One in the 2021/22 season.

They were docked 21 points due to bankruptcy and Derby County was ultimately relegated to the English third-tier.

Rooney did all he could as the manager to ensure the club beat the drop and his impressive work was visible to everyone.

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Prior to 2021/22 season, Wayne Rooney also did well in saving the side from relegation from the Championship in the 2020/21 season.

Derby County Council brought the initiative back to the consciousness of everyone earlier in November 2023, after it was put aside at the commencement of the year.

Member of Parliament (MP) Margaret Beckett wasn't also honored, however, boxer Sandy Ryan was honored and recognized for her contributions to the city.

Ryan was nominated after she became a world champion, while Beckett was also listed in honor of her age-long service in the political terrain.

None of the councillors present at a council meeting on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, tried to back the motion to honor Wayne Rooney with the Freedom of Derby.

A vote was also made to decide if they should withdraw it permanently from consideration, and subsequently, they all voted to remove the motion.

Rooney left The Rams to join MLS club DC United afterward, and in October 2023, he left the club to join Championship side Birmingham City.

Ryan, who was born in Derby, is the current WBO women's welterweight champion.

She won the welterweight title via unanimous decision in April 2023, and a council report spoke highly of the boxer.

The report reads: “Ms Ryan proudly represents the city and speaks publicly about her strong sense of local identity.

“The council previously recognised her discipline, perseverance, and good sportsmanship.”

Former Derby County manager, Brian Clough, has in the past been honored with the Freedom of Derby, having led the English club to the top-flight title in the 1971/72 and 1974/75 seasons.

The Rams sit 7th in League One after 16 matches, with 27 points, winning 8 matches, drawing 3 and losing 5.

They are hoping to gain promotion back to the Championship and possibly to the top flight afterward, which will become an amazing achievement if it does happen anytime soon.

Derby County face Bristol Rovers next on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at their home turf, the Pride Park Stadium.

They come into this game on the back of a 1-3 loss to Crewe Alexandra in the first round of the FA Cup for the 2023/24 season.

Meanwhile, the last time they filed out in League One, they secured a 3-0 comfortable home win over Barnsley on November 11, 2023.