Derby County Snaps Up Rovers Boss

On Friday, news broke that RAMS manager Paul Warne was finished at Derby County. After more than two years at the club, Warne led the team to promotion from League One last season and had a strong run this autumn, but recent results had dipped. The January signings of Norwegian players Lars-Jørgen Salvesen and Sondre Langås were not enough to save his job. After seven straight defeats and sitting in 22nd place on the table, the management decided it was time to part ways with Warne. He left Pride Park with positive feedback, but a change was necessary, the club stated in its press release.

Tempted by new challenge

On Sunday, reports surfaced that John Eustace was at the top of Derby’s wish list. The Blackburn manager has had tremendous success with Rovers this season, taking a relegation-tipped squad to the top of the Championship despite limited financial flexibility. After the FA Cup match against Wolverhampton on Sunday, Eustace made a statement that sent chills down the spines of Rovers fans. It was clear that he was both unhappy with his current club and tempted by Derby’s interest.

Derby debut Friday night

On Monday, Rovers confirmed they had accepted Derby’s request to speak with their manager, and by Thursday, the appointment was official: John Eustace is the new Derby County manager. Sources in Blackburn revealed that Eustace had tried to initiate talks with Rovers’ leadership regarding an extension of his contract, which runs until 2026, and to get clarity on the club’s future plans—without success. This likely contributed to his decision to leave a club in sixth place for one sitting 22nd in the Championship.

John Eustace will make his debut as Derby manager on Friday night away to QPR. The identity of Blackburn Rovers' next manager will be revealed soon.

The Tipster