Blackburn Rovers have confirmed they have reluctantly allowed John Eustace to hold talks with another Championship club, believed to be Derby County.
News emerged over the weekend that the Rams had made an official approach for the 45-year-old, who finished his playing career at Pride Park in 2015. This came after the decision was made to part company with Paul Warne following a run of form that had seen them drop into the Championship relegation zone.
Eustace quickly emerged as the frontrunner, despite the heroics he has performed at Ewood Park during his tenure. He joined the club in February 2024 with the threat of relegation looming, transforming them into potential play-off contenders in the space of just 12 months.
The former Birmingham City boss commented on the speculation following their 2-0 FA Cup fourth round defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday, confirming he would be sitting down with the owners to discuss the approach.
Blackburn Confirm Talks
In a statement released on their official club website, the 1995 Premier League champions confirmed that Eustace had reluctantly been granted permission to talk to another Championship club:
“Blackburn Rovers can confirm that head coach John Eustace has requested permission to speak with another Championship club, following the activation of a clause in his contract.
“The club is extremely disappointed by John Eustace’s request to hold discussions with another club at such a crucial stage of the season, but this has now been reluctantly granted.
“With significant investment being made during the January transfer window, with six new additions, several of whom impressed during yesterday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Wolves, the Board and Ownership feel the club are in good position to challenge for one of the play-off places this season.
“With the squad bolstered, key players returning from injury and Rovers currently in a strong position in the Championship, the club and players remain focused on achieving the best possible outcome this season.
“The club will make no further comment at this time.”
Writer’s View
Despite Eustace’s past links with Derby County, his decision still comes as somewhat of a surprise. Blackburn have a very real opportunity of securing a play-off place this season and after what happened at Birmingham last season, you’d have thought he would have wanted to finish the job. To swap a potential place in the Premier League for a team that could be back in League One next season is odd on the face of it, although it is worth bearing in mind that he still lives in the Midlands, and this is a position that would bring him closer to home. If the deal goes through, it will be a major blow for Blackburn.
