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The Plymouth Argyle head coach spent two-and-a-half years at the Rams, first as a player-coach then as manager.
He lifted the Rams from bottom of the Championship and six points adrift of safety to securing survival by a point on the final day of the season.
But the Rams were relegated 12 months later as financial problems led the club to go into administration and Rooney left as the figurehead to try and keep the club going.
A total of 21 points of deductions for various financial issues saw the Rams finish second-from-bottom – however their record without any deductions would have left them in 17th place.
“It was difficult times for the football club, for the fans, for the staff,” said Rooney – who some had felt should be given the freedom of the city.
“We had staff members being made redundant and losing their jobs, but we had to really try and keep it close-knit.
“Sometimes through the most difficult moments bring people together, and I think that’s exactly what happened.
“Not just myself, the coaches around me as well, we really pulled together and tried to do the best we could with the players we had.
“It meant that quite a few young players made their debut for the football club, some of them are still in the team now like Liam Thompson and Eiran Cashin.
“Those two got an opportunity through the situation the club was in, and they took it and not looked back.”
Rooney ended his playing career – which saw him win every major honour with Manchester United and become England’s record goalscorer – at Derby.
He also scored his final professional goal for the club in a 1-0 win at Norwich City in October 2020 and says the memories he made at the club will stay with him forever.
“Derby County has a huge place in my heart,” he said.
“My last game in football was for Derby and they gave me an opportunity in …
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