John Eustace QUITS Blackburn for Derby as club release classy statement and ex-Premier League boss is lined up
DERBY COUNTY have announced John Eustace as their new manager.
The gaffer has linked up with his former playing club after leaving Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.
Eustace, who only replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson at Ewood Park a year ago, shocked the play-off hopefuls when he activated a shock release clause in his contract to hold talks with Derby.
The Rams targeted Eustace, who made 62 appearances across two spells as a player for them, after sacking Paul Warne last week.
And Rovers were forced to release a statement clarifying the situation while also slamming Eustace for forcing through an exit.
But a deal taking him to Pride Park has now gone through.
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The former Rams midfielder, who is tasked with saving his new side from relegation, has penned a contract until 2028.
And Eustace, who leaves Rovers fifth in the Championship, will be joined in the dugout by assistant boss Matt Gardiner and first-team coach Keith Downing.
Derby owner David Clowes said: “I’m excited to welcome John back to Derby County. Fans will remember him for his craft, commitment and intelligence. He was a real leader.
“I’ve followed his managerial career with interest, and it’s clear he has the qualities we need to maintain our progress.
“He helped both Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City avoid relegation, before taking Birmingham to sixth place prior to his departure. He has repeated that achievement at Blackburn Rovers, leaving behind a team in the play-off places.
"I am thrilled that he shares our belief in the potential of Derby County and that he wants to play a leading role in our plans.
"When we bought the club, I was moved by the passion, solidarity and shared belief that bonded all of us who cared about Derby County. From the players, to the staff and to every single fan, we shared a determination to save the club and drive it forward.
"It's the same bond we need now as we get behind John and the players for these final 14 games. That bond was clear at Norwich last Saturday, a team fighting and refusing to be beaten, urged on by our magnificent support.
"This is now a season within a season and it’s time for that passion, solidarity and shared belief again, to show what the Rams mean to us all.”
Rovers had initially slammed Eustace's push to quit for Derby earlier in the week.
But a classy statement released in the wake of his exit revealed an apparent change of heart, with Eustace seemingly wanting the move to be closer to his family.
And Rovers are now thought to be targeting a move for ex-Wolves boss Gary O'Neil as Eustace's replacement.
Blackburn's message to fans read: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm that John Eustace has left his role as Head Coach to take up a position with another Championship club.
“While we are disappointed by his decision to leave at this crucial stage of the season, we fully understand that the opportunity to move closer to his family and return to a former club played a significant role in his choice.
“The club had hoped that John would see out the season and continue the fantastic work he has done, particularly after strengthening the squad in January and guiding us into a strong position in the league.
“However, with 14 games remaining and a real chance to push for a play-off place, the focus remains on achieving our ambitions.
“Football is always evolving, and while we part ways with John Eustace, this also presents an exciting opportunity for the new head coach to build on our current positive position.
“We remain in a good place in the league and the togetherness of the players, staff and supporters can all play a huge role in making it a successful end to the season.
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“We would like to thank John Eustace, along with his assistants Matt Gardiner and Keith Downing, for their dedication and hard work over the past year. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
“David Lowe will continue to take temporary charge of first-team affairs, supported by Damien Johnson, Ben Benson, Mike Sheron and Paul Butler, until a permanent successor is appointed.”