John Eustace leaves Blackburn Rovers to become the new Derby County coach | Football news

John Eustace has let Blackburn Rovers become the new coach in the Derby County Championship.

The Rovers are fifth at the championship table and really and really in the Play-Off hunt-but Eustace has left for a club sitting just outside the second-level relegation zone, separated only by the difference of targets.

The owner of Derby David CLOWES said: “I am excited to share our faith in the potential of Derby and that it wants to play a leading role in our plans.

“When we bought the club, I was moved by the passion, solidarity and the common belief that we committed to all of us who cared about Derby County. From the players, to the staff and to every fan, we shared a determination and move on.

“It’s the same bond we need now as we get behind John and the players for these finally 14 games. This bond was clear to Norwich last Saturday, a team that is struggling and refusing to hit, urging our wonderful support.

“This is now a time in a time and it’s time for this passion, solidarity and common faith again, to show what Rams mean to all of us.”

Eustace, who has signed a contract that will last until the summer of 2028, finished his 2015 Derby career – and his first game is ready to be a trip to QPR on Valentine’s Day, Live On Sports football.

It will be included in Derby by assistant coach Matt Gardiner and the coach of the first team Keith Downing.

Friday 14 February 7:30 pm

Start at 8:00 pm

As for Blackburn, who won 2-0 in West Brom promotion opponents on Wednesday night, temporary boss David Lowe – who took over this game – is expected to stay at the helm for the house against Plymouth on Saturday.

A statement by Blackburn, announcing Eustace’s departure, read: “While we are disappointed with Eustace’s decision to leave at this critical stage of the season, we fully understand that the opportunity to move closer to his family and return to a former The club played an important role in its choice.

“The club hoped that John would see the season and continue the fantastic work he had done, especially after the team was strengthened in January and guide us to a strong position in the league.

“However, with 14 games remaining and a real opportunity to push for a play-off part, focus remains in achieving our ambitions.

“Football always evolves and while we are separating ways with John Eustace, this also presents an exciting opportunity for the new coach to take advantage of our current positive position.

“We remain in a good position in the league and the unity of players, staff and supporters can all play a huge role in the success of the season.”

Eustace took responsibility for Blackburn 12 months ago, shortly after the controversial being fired by Birmingham. The Lancashire Club was 18th in the league at that time, but now it is in the first six.

Speaking last Sunday, Eustace said he wanted to talk to Rovers ownership and asked if he would seek assurances that he would continue to be supported well by the club, he said: “Of course.”

Was Eustace Mis-Sold the Blackburn project?

Sky Sports’ Don Goodman:

“We’re not behind the scenes, so it’s the old proverb: you don’t know what’s going on behind the closed doors. You can only assume that there were relationships with the hierarchy or assurances of what the future holds that Eustace was not particularly particularly particular like.

“He did a brilliant job in Blackburn, went last February, when he was a little annoying. He took them out and I don’t think anyone would expect Blackburn where he is now.

“He brought some players, but they were mainly free transfer or loan agreements. So you wonder what the relationship with the hierarchy behind the backstage. You can only assume that the work was slightly wrong when signed the dotted line a year ago.

“The only logic is whether Eustace is more excited about the project in Derby County than it can reach Blackburn in the near future, then it’s the only thing to continue.

“When you look at the money they brought in a few years: Ben Berton Diaz, Adam Wharton and Sammie Szmodics.

“That’s why I wonder what John’s assurances were trying to build a team that is able to get Blackburn compete at the top of the championship and with little luck, until the Premier League.”

The first six Eustace fixtures in Derby – including Blackburn at home!

February 14: QPR (a), 8pm kick-off, live Sports football

February 22: Millwall (h), 12.30pm

March 1: Middlesbrough (A), 3pm

March 8: Blackburn (H), 3pm

March 11: Coventry (H), 7.45mm

March 15: Plymouth (a), 3pm