Derby County will be boosted by the news that boss Wayne Rooney rejected the chance to make the leap up to the Premier League with Everton, as reported by Owen Bradley.
The Toffees have been on the hunt for a new manager after relieving Rafa Benitez of his duties at Goodison Park and one name that had continually been linked is that of Rooney.
The former Man United man has links with Everton, as he previously played for them before he hung up his boots. Rooney also came through the ranks at the club - and a chance to both appoint a new boss and one that has deep roots with the side could have been a shrewd move.
With Derby also struggling financially and in a situation currently where they could be facing a drop in division down to League One, it looked like a move could happen and could make sense. Rooney has already proven he can do a solid enough job in a management role too, leading the Rams to some big results this season.
In fact, despite a points deduction, they aren't too far away from Championship safety when the task seemed nigh on impossible. It is these displays that have prompted Everton to consider giving him a try in the Premier League as their new manager.
However, the boss has confirmed that there was indeed an approach from the Toffees to try and lure him away from Pride Park but that he rejected an interview and the chance to try his luck in the top flight.
It means that Derby don't have to worry about seeing off the season without one of their main assets - and it could actually mean they have an even better chance of second tier safety now too.
The Verdict
Wayne Rooney has proven his mettle as a manager so far and certainly deserves a chance in the top flight at some point in his career.
The fact he has now snubbed the chance to manage Everton when the opportunity has presented itself shows his loyalty to Derby - and will endear him to the club's fans even more, if it was even possible to. Based on the work he has done at Pride Park so far, there can be nothing but admiration for the former player.
Most managers may have crumbled under the pressure or even jumped ship when a better opportunity came along but Rooney has seemingly stuck to his guns instead and will now likely see out the season with the Rams. If he can pull off the impossible, then he will likely be viewed as a hero at Pride Park.
If anyone can achieve it though, then it looks like Rooney and with the work he has put in so far, it would be a shame not to see how it pans out now.