Who is Wayne Rooney’s new assistant coach at D.C. United?
New D.C. United head coach Rooney has turned to a coach who worked under the former England captain at Derby County.
Pete Shuttleworth will work as an assistant coach to D.C. United boss Wayne Rooney, the MLS franchise announced on Wednesday. He moves to the US after working under Rooney at English club Derby County.
Shuttleworth “someone I trust very much” - Rooney
Shutteworth spent two years as an assistant coach and analyst at Derby, before leaving Pride Park in July. His departure came three weeks after Rooney stepped down as manager of the team, which last season was relegated from the Championship - the second tier of English league soccer - having been docked 21 points over financial irregularities.
“Pete worked with me at Derby County during my time as manager there and he has experience with analysis, coaching, and recruitment,” Rooney said. “He’s someone I trust very much and he has a lot of qualities to help make the team better. It’s good to have him come in with me but it’s also good for the team and the club to get someone of Pete’s ability to help us improve moving forward.”
Shuttleworth’s appointment at United is subject to the coach receiving a US work permit, the team said.
Previously a member of Birmingham backroom team
Before his stint at Derby, the highly-rated coach worked as a scout and analyst at Championship club Birmingham City, and as an assistant at English non-league teams Shirebrook Town, Sheffield FC and Worksop Town.
He is also a former international triathlete, finishing sixth for Great Britain at the 2015 Triathlon European Championships in Geneva.
“Firstly, I want to thank ownership and Wayne for their trust in me to help propel the club forward in the assistant coach role,” Shuttleworth said. “I enjoyed my time with Wayne at Derby County and fully believe that the style of play he implements will translate well to MLS. I was excited about the project here at D.C. United and look forward to the challenge of helping the club achieve great things under Wayne.”
Rooney, who made 52 appearances for D.C. United during a two-year playing spell in MLS, was named as the four-time MLS champions’ new head coach in July, the 36-year-old replacing Argentinian Hernán Losada at Audi Field.
United, who last won the MLS Cup in 2004, currently sit bottom of the Eastern Conference, eight points adrift of a playoff place.