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On Red alert

Wayne Rooney hires ex-Manchester United bodyguard ‘Big Ginge’ to drive him around during ban

WAYNE ROONEY has hired bulky former Manchester United bodyguard 'Big Ginge' to ferry him around while he is banned from driving.

The ex-England skipper was slapped with a two-year ban after being found three times the limit when arrested at the wheel of party girl Laura Simpson's VW Beetle.

 Wayne Rooney's bodyguard has been revealed as ex-Old Trafford worker Damian Hall, nicknamed 'Big Ginge'
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Wayne Rooney's bodyguard has been revealed as ex-Old Trafford worker Damian Hall, nicknamed 'Big Ginge'Credit: Rex Features
 Damian Hall will drive Wayne Rooney to and from Everton training ground Finch Farm
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Damian Hall will drive Wayne Rooney to and from Everton training ground Finch FarmCredit: PA:Press Association/PA Images

It means Rooney, 31, is unable to take himself to and from Everton's Finch Farm training ground.

So former Old Trafford security guard Damian Hall has been drafted in to help out the Red Devils' all-time top scorer.

Hall, who according to the Daily Mail is nicknamed 'Big Ginge', was seen accompanying Roo to Stockport Magistrates' Court on Monday, where the Toffees star was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.

The burly guard used to work as learning and development director for Controlled Solutions Group (CSG), who have provided security for Manchester United since 1990.

Paul Stretford, Rooney's agent, is said to have contacted CSG to inquire about Hall as he is a well-known face to the shamed England record-breaker.

CSG allowed their director to leave and United, who have no say in the move, are said to have given their blessing in order to help out the Old Trafford legend.

 Wayne Rooney has hired Damian Hall to chauffeur him around while he serves a driving ban
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Wayne Rooney has hired Damian Hall to chauffeur him around while he serves a driving banCredit: Rex Features
 Wayne Rooney knows Damian Hall well from his time at Manchester United
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Wayne Rooney knows Damian Hall well from his time at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP or licensors
 Bulky Damian Hall is well-known around Old Trafford having worked there regularly through CSG
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Bulky Damian Hall is well-known around Old Trafford having worked there regularly through CSGCredit: Reuters
 Wayne Rooney's agent is said to have contacted CSG to inquire about Damian Hall
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Wayne Rooney's agent is said to have contacted CSG to inquire about Damian HallCredit: Rex Features
 Manchester United reportedly gave their blessing for Damian Hall to work with Wayne Rooney
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Manchester United reportedly gave their blessing for Damian Hall to work with Wayne RooneyCredit: Reuters
 Wayne Rooney is escorted by Damian Hall into Stockport Magistrates' Court
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Wayne Rooney is escorted by Damian Hall into Stockport Magistrates' CourtCredit: Rex Features
 A sketch of Wayne Rooney standing in the dock at court
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A sketch of Wayne Rooney standing in the dock at courtCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

It means Rooney, who earns £160,000 a week at Goodison Park, will pay for Hall's services for the next two years while he adheres to his driving ban.

He faces a £120,000 bill for using a chauffeur to take him on the 74-mile round trip from his £20million mansion to Finch Farm at least four times a week.

 Wayne Rooney was arrested after being found drunk at the wheel of Laura Simpson's wheel
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Wayne Rooney was arrested after being found drunk at the wheel of Laura Simpson's wheelCredit: Twitter
 Party girl Laura Simpson was with Wayne Rooney in her VW Beetle when he was arrested
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Party girl Laura Simpson was with Wayne Rooney in her VW Beetle when he was arrestedCredit: Twitter
 Laura Simpson tells her side of the story during an appearance on This Morning
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Laura Simpson tells her side of the story during an appearance on This MorningCredit: Rex Features
 Wayne Rooney pictured alongside wife Coleen at the Manchester United Player of the Year awards
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Wayne Rooney pictured alongside wife Coleen at the Manchester United Player of the Year awardsCredit: Rex Features

This is on top of the two weeks' wages - totalling £320,000 - he was fined by Everton for his drink-driving offence.

SunSport revealed the Toffees have no intention of paying a penny to help Rooney get to and from work.

Rooney's £600,000 fleet of luxury supercars are also set to gather dust in the next 24 months.

 Shamed Everton star Wayne Rooney was fined two weeks' wages following his drink-driving charge
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Shamed Everton star Wayne Rooney was fined two weeks' wages following his drink-driving chargeCredit: AFP or licensors
 Wayne Rooney and Damian Hall pictured together at Stockport Magistrates' Court
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Wayne Rooney and Damian Hall pictured together at Stockport Magistrates' CourtCredit: AFP or licensors
 Wayne Rooney must rely upon Damian Hall to drive him around while he is banned
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Wayne Rooney must rely upon Damian Hall to drive him around while he is bannedCredit: AFP or licensors

After being sentenced, he said: "Following today's court hearing I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable lack of judgement in driving while over the legal limit.

"It was completely wrong. I've already said sorry to my family my manager and chairman and everyone at Everton FC.

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"Now I want to apologise to all the fans and everyone else who has followed and supported me throughout my career.

"Of course I accept the sentence of the court and hope that I can make some amends through my community service."

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