Derby County have confirmed that they have parted company with manager Phillip Cocu, ahead of facing Bristol City next weekend.
The Rams are currently bottom of the Championship after a difficult start to the new season, and Derby have this evening (Saturday) confirmed that Cocu has left the club by mutual agreement with immediate effect.
Derby confirmed the decision in a statement, with assistant manager Chris van der Weerden and specialist first team coach Twan Scheepers also leaving the club by mutual agreement.
And Derby player-coach Wayne Rooney has confirmed that he will be part of the preparations for the game against Bristol City at Ashton Gate next weekend.
As reported by PA, Rooney said: "I have been asked to be part of the coaching staff to help the team's preparations for next Saturday's vital match against Bristol City.
"The coaches and I will speak with the players on Monday."
Derby will make the trip to BS3 to face Dean Holden's men on Saturday, with the Rams bottom of the second tier with just six points from 11 games so far this season.
City, meanwhile, have 20 points from their 11 games and sit fifth in the table after back-to-back wins prior to the international break.
