John Eustace has said he will have to sit down with the Blackburn Rovers hierachy after learning of an official approach from Derby County for their vacant managerial position.
The Rams made the decision to part company with Paul Warne last week after dropping into the Championship relegation zone. Matt Hamshaw was in interim charge for the respectable 1-1 draw with Norwich City on Saturday, but it is Eustace who has emerged as the front runner to land the job on a permanent basis.
The 45-year-old has been in charge at Blackburn since February last year, turning the club from relegation battlers to play-off contenders. He has links to Derby, having finished his playing career at Pride Park.
Eustace Hoping For Talks
Reports emerged earlier on Sunday that Blackburn will demand £750,000 in compensation from Derby to poach their head coach mimd-season. That figure has seemingly failed to wane their interest and the East Midlands-based outfit made an official approach shortly after.
Eustace was taking charge of his team for the FA Cup fourth round defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon, where he responded to the approach after the game. Via The Lancashire Telegraph, he said:
“I will have to see exactly what’s happened and talk to the owners.
“At the moment, I will be in charge for West Brom. I have come here to help rebuild it and help push up the league. I have been very happy here.
“It’s something where I now need to speak to the owners to see what they think as well. (Do you feel supported here?) I do, yes.”
Continuing, he said:
“I have just come off the pitch and realised they have made an official approach. I am sure Steve (Waggott) and Suhail (Pasha) will want to sit down and talk to me. I’d be disappointed if they didn’t.
“I think if a club makes an official approach, my first conversation has to be with our owners to find out what the situation is. Then we can take it from there. It is about reassurance too.”
Writer’s View
You have to admire Derby for trying their luck here. They will feel they have a chance to land their primary target, especially with their past links. It would also ensure that Eustace is closer to home. It would be somewhat of a coup for the Rams, with the former Birmingham City boss having guided Blackburn to safety last season.
