Derby County manager Wayne Rooney explains why Jack Marriott has been allowed a return to Sheffield Wednesday
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The Rams had an option to recall the striker from his time at S6 but have chosen not to exercise that, a move that has raised some eyebrows in that it essentially strengthens a direct rival.
Marriott, 26, has struggled with injuries in the past few seasons of his career and played only seven times for the Owls – three as a substitute – before suffering a calf injury that saw him return to Pride Park.
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Hide AdHe has been training with Derby for a few weeks and Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri had suggested a Wednesday return was touch-and-go.
Speaking at his unveiling as permanent Rams boss, Rooney said that he felt Marriott wouldn’t have played much at Derby.
“I spoke to Jack last week,” he said.
“I felt the way I want to move forward, it was best for Jack to go back to Sheffield Wednesday.
“He is fit and he has been back training for two or three weeks now.
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Hide Ad“Again, he is a good player but in terms of how I see this club moving forward I felt it was better to focus on other players and let Jack go and play because I couldn't guarantee him playing here.”
Derby, one of Wednesday’s relegation rivals, confirmed Rooney’s appointment this afternoon after a 10-match spell as caretaker boss. He also confirmed he was retiring from football after a glittering career that saw him become England highest-ever goalscorer.