Liam Rosenior is not focused on his long-term future with Derby County now that the League One season has gotten underway.

The former defender has replaced Wayne Rooney as the current Rams manager following the departure of the 36-year old.

Rosenior was assistant coach to Rooney during his time in charge of the club but has stepped up to take on the mantle of the lead role.

The 38-year old took charge of his first game as manager of the team last weekend, earning all three points with a home win over Oxford United.

New signing Conor Hourihane stepped up in the 80th minute to secure the victory for a perfect start to the new campaign.

However, the Rams’ boss has claimed that he is focusing on the team day-by-day and is confident in his ability to take the team as far as he can as long as he remains in charge.

"I'm not looking too far ahead, you focus on now and all I can do is focus on what I can affect,” said Rosenior, via Derbyshire Live.

"I have seen at this club through so many difficult times, I can't take my eye off the ball and start thinking about myself. 

“I am confident I will be a successful manager, it's as simple as that. All I can do is be confident in my work and keep working as hard as I can every single day.

"I'm confident in my ability, and if you are confident in your ability, you get rewarded. If you play well you get rewarded, and if you manage well, you get rewarded. 

“I am not going to put any pressure on anyone, because that isn't what I am about."

 

 

Derby return to action on August 6 as they face a trip to the Valley to compete against Charlton Athletic.

The club will be looking to make it two wins from two to start their League One season.

The Verdict

Rosenior being appointed as manager in the immediate aftermath of Rooney’s departure was the correct decision.

Continuity from the previous regime was the right direction for the team in such an uncertain period.

But now it is up to Rosenior to prove that it was a good call to keep him on, and results like last weekend gives him the exact start he needed.

The upcoming few weeks will be so important as we reach the closing stages of the transfer window and Derby looks to get to grips with this new era for the club and will be a big test for Rosenior to prove his credentials for the top job.