John Eustace to Derby approach update as Blackburn boss favourite – ‘Amazing’
Derby County would be an “amazing” managerial opportunity even if relegated from the Championship as they eye Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace, Paul Merson has said.
The Rams are currently searching for a new manager following the sacking of Paul Warne on Friday (7 February) with the club fighting to avoid relegation from the Championship.
The Pride Park club are thought to be plotting to make an approach to Blackburn for Eustace as they search for Warne’s replacement, with Sky Sports quoting him as 4/7-odds favourite.
However, the prospect of the 45-year-old leaving his current role to take over at Derby split opinion among pundits.
John Eustace favourite to replace Paul Warne
Despite his side being beaten 2-1 by QPR on Tuesday (4 February), Blackburn still sit fifth in the Championship table, meaning they are in contention for promotion to the Premier League.
As a result, some have questioned why Eustace would leave that job to step into a relegation battle with Derby.
Speaking about those links on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson said (2:47pm): “John Eustace, why would he want to go there?”
Providing an update, host Simon Thomas added: “We understand that they want to make an approach but they’re gonna need to act quickly. You can’t see him leaving Ewood Park?”
Tim Sherwood, who captained Blackburn to the Premier League title during the 1994/95 season, then interjected: “Pep [Guardiola]’s on the list there as well! Derby!? I mean look, it’s a good job, but why would John Eustace? You’re doing a good job at Blackburn. Why would he leave?”
Merson however, believes there may be some appeal to the move for the Rovers boss, as the former Arsenal man claimed: “I wouldn’t mind being manager of Derby. It’s a great job. Even if they went down… they’re still gonna get 28,000 next season. It’s amazing.”
Blackburn will be concerned over John Eustace links
Football Insider Verdict
Already this season, Eustace has been linked with the previously-vacant managerial West Brom, but so far remains in charge at Ewood Park.
Even so this link with Derby will be a concern for those at Blackburn, given how important the 45-year-old has been to their success this season.
It would be a major blow for Rovers to lose their manager, and a sad indictment of the situation at Ewood Park if he was to leave that play-off race for a relegation battle.
There is though some uncertainty around the Lancashire club after another low-spending transfer window where Eustace may feel he has not been fully backed despite some recent big sales.
As a former Derby player as well, the 45-year-old may see a return to his old club in an attempt to rejuvenate them as an appealing challenge as well.
Blackburn may therefore feel they are going to have their resolve tested significantly over the future of Eustace in the coming days and weeks.