Derby County are considering making an ambitious move for former Birmingham City manager John Eustace, according to Football Insider.
Despite one of the favourites to win League One prior to the beginning of the season, the Rams have endured a difficult start to the campaign and pressure has been building on manager Paul Warne. With five defeats from 15 games, fans were beginning to voice their concerns, although last night’s 4-0 win over strugglers Northampton Town has moved the East Midlands side up to seventh.
Two points separate them and sixth-placed Stevenage in the last remaining play-off position, although Derby do have a game in hand on their league rivals. However, Warne’s side did travel to the Lamex Stadium last weekend, losing 3-1. Speaking after the game, the manager revealed he had the support of owner David Clowes, saying;
“I did feel low because I’m aware of what’s been happening and the owner was there and just said to me ‘just keep rocking on’, which was nice.
“Sometimes you need that as a manager. It’s a lonely place in the dugout at times when you’re 3-1 down with five minutes to go.
“It was really nice of him. But I also know how much he’s hurting because he wants the team to be successful.”
Whilst last night’s victory at Sixfields will ease the pressure somewhat, an early exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Crewe Alexandra on Sunday could prove disastrous for Warne. Journalist Wayne Veysey claims that Eustace is being lined up following his departure from Birmingham last month as a result.
The 43-year-old is hot property right now after the stellar job he did at St Andrew’s, where he left the club in the midst of their best start to a season in several years. The Blues’ hierarchy made the decision following the news that Wayne Rooney had left his role at MLS side DC United, and it was one that was met with disbelief from the football world.
Eustace is linked to the vacant position at Bristol City, but Derby County appear to fancy their chances and could attempt to convince him that he is the right man to guide the club back into the second tier. In the meantime, Warne will continue to fight for his job, but he needs a fast turnaround to avoid becoming the next EFL manager to face the chop.
Writer’s View
Although Derby can be considered a big club – arguably the biggest in League One – Eustace may not fancy a drop in divisions, particularly because he will be touted by a number of Championship clubs in the coming weeks and months.
It would be a fanciful move from the Rams, but if you don’t try, you don’t get. Ironically, it would see him try and earn promotion back to the second tier following their relegation in 2022 under the stewardship of Rooney.