Derby County

John Eustace takes charge of Derby County for the first time as the Rams head to London to face Queens Park Rangers on Friday (20:00 GMT).

While County are fourth-bottom and only out of the relegation zone on goal difference, they have drawn their past two games, following a run of seven straight defeats since the Boxing Day victory over West Bromwich Albion.

QPR have lost three of their past four to fall to 13th but remain just six points adrift of the play-off places.

• QPR have won four of their past six league games against Derby County (L2), as many victories as across their prior 20 meetings with the Rams combined (D8 L8).

• Derby County have won just two of their past 10 away league games against QPR (D4 L4), with both of those victories coming via 1-0 scorelines in December 2016 and January 2021.

• QPR have won six of their past seven home league games (L1), one more than in their previous 23 matches (W5 D9 L9).

• Since a 2-1 win at Coventry in November, Derby are winless in their past eight away league games (D3 L5).

• QPR have won only one of their past 12 league games against newly promoted sides (D3 L8), though that win came in their most recent game against Oxford United in December (2-0).

Image source, Rex Features

Craig Bryson played more than 250 games for Derby County between 2011 and 2019.

The midfielder was twice named Rams player of the year and was part of the PFA Championship team of the year in 2014.

He played 39 times alongside new Rams boss John Eustace in that 2013-14 campaign as the Rams finished third, losing the Championship play-off final 1-0 to QPR, before Eustace's time at Derby, and playing career, was cut short by a serious knee injury in January 2015.

Here's Bryson in conversation with BBC Radio Derby on his former teammate.

I'm not sure I'd ever imagined Eusty being the manager of Derby, but the way he came across off the pitch and the way he spoke, you could always see him being a coach or a manager. You could see him going down that route.

I wouldn't say he was loud in the changing room, but when he spoke, he spoke sense and with the authority that everyone would listen to and take note of.

It's a cliché in football, but I don't think he ever gets too high or too low. He's good at staying calm. I don't remember him ever coming in and shouting or screaming in a changing room. He just sat down and spoke with authority. He had a good way of putting himself across.

I can imagine with him being the man in charge, he would be a really good calming influence.

There weren't many players throughout my career that made me a much better player, but he definitely did. It was his positioning behind me and talking me through the game, telling me when to press, which way to show them - he was very good at that, managing the game, within the game.

He was pivotal that season. He'd manage games. When he was in the team we were a much better unit, and to an extent, he sacrificed his own game for the team.

I think he'll be a great manager and has been already.

It's a big statement from him, leaving a club in the top six and coming and taking over Derby [in their position]. He obviously believes in himself.

I remember going to watch him with some of the other Derby lads when he was managing at Kidderminster – we were bitter he never left us any complimentary tickets; we had to pay to get in.

He knows what Derby's all about - the training ground, the stadium, the fans – if you get it right at Derby, then in my opinion it's a much better job than the Blackburn job.

When Derby went through tough times with administration, that's when the fans rallied together, and you could see the size of the club. They went down to League One but still had massive attendances.

Even if they do go down again, which nobody wants, I think they'll still get the crowds, and the fans will be there through thick and thin. John knows that. I think he'll get the backing he wants and probably needs from the board. I think it's a really good appointment, and I hope it goes very well.

Image source, Getty Images

Earlier we asked if Rams fans were happy with the appointment of John Eustace at Pride Park and whether you thought he could keep County in the Championship.

Here are some of the responses:

Mathew: I think most Derby fans welcome the change of management. John Eustace is a great coup for Derby County, all credit to owner David Clowes for getting the deal done.

As an ex-player who gave everything on the pitch, Eustace is extremely well-regarded at Derby (something Paul Warne never had) and will have an instant rapport with the fan base.

With recent defensive additions in Matt Clarke and Sondre Langas he has a solid base to build his Championship survival mission on. Goals (or lack of) are the problem and I think he will need to work minor miracles in that area, with another promising new signing, Lars Salvesen, feeding off scraps.

Helen: I'm over the moon with this sensible appointment. A manager who knows the Championship and the challenges of working with a team in an unfavourable position. We will, I'm sure, get behind him from the start, but recognising the task ahead won't be resolved overnight.

Aaron: I think John Eustace's appointment is a real statement form David Clowes and the board. Paul Warne did his job and has to get plaudits for that but Eustace can hopefully set us up for the future, especially if we do get the investment in the future to build the squad.

Ray: There's a lot of quality lurking in a number of the players - Warne couldn't bring it to the surface due to the way he set up, hopefully John has the necessary skills to at last see the side flourish.

Brian: A good appointment. I feel sorry for Warne - a lovely bloke but it just wasn't working, although in fairness to him we had some bad luck during that losing run. Football's a game of fine margins.

As for Eustace, he's got a good track record and fingers crossed might make the difference. Welcome back! A bit sorry for Blackburn fans but you can see why he's come to Derby - we're averaging double the gates of Blackburn - a massive difference, a much bigger club…and no doubt double the wages.

Philip: When Brum let him go, both my wife and I said they'd made a mistake and we wished he was at Derby. Now we've got our wish and time will tell if we've judged him well. C'mon Eusty - do your stuff!

Carl: It's a massive challenge for anyone coming in as the lack of fire power and creativity wasn't addressed in the transfer window. However he's proven at both Birmingham and Blackburn that he can organise teams, both of which were built on limited budgets into effective units capable of competing at the right end of the table. Looks to be the right man for the job.

Guy: Is it too late to dig us out of relegation? No lack of effort from the team but we have looked devoid of creativity and the ability to kill teams off when in the ascendency this season. Be a real test of the new backroom staff's ability to change this, given the resources at their disposal.

Stephen: I think we will survive in the Championship, but I think we probably would have stayed up under Paul Warne anyway. Just.

James: Absolutely buzzing. Fantastic appointment by the owners. A real coup!

Steve: Fantastic appointment for us, couldn't be happier, no matter what happens this season we have a building block for the future. Hopefully he will galvanise the squad and keep us up this season as there's still time to secure safety.

Dominic Dietrich
Senior Sports Journalist, BBC Radio Derby

Image source, Getty Images

Since 14:00 GMT on Friday when Paul Warne was sacked, this has been an ongoing move for Derby County.

They outlined their number one target and have got him over the line.

Many didn't see John Eustace as a prospect initially, given his league position of fifth at Blackburn Rovers, but what has materialised since has shed some light on why he feels returning to Pride Park might be best suited to him.

He arrives with Championship experience, and experience in dealing with tough scenarios as he's shown in both his roles - at Blackburn and Birmingham City - at this level.

But he won't be alone, and alongside the highly regarded Keith Downing and Matt Gardiner their job now is Championship survival this season and to build in the future.

They need to get Derby scoring though, that and revitalising the club, as they look to end their nine-match winless league run.

Image source, Rex Features

Derby County have appointed Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace as their new head coach.

We want to hear from both sets of supporters about what this means for your clubs.

Rams fans...

Are you happy with Eustace's appointment?

Do you think Eustace will keep you up this season?

Derby supporters, you can have your say here.

Rovers fans...

How do you feel about Eustace leaving?

Why do you think he left?

What impact will it have on the rest of the season?

Blackburn supporters, let us know your thoughts here.

Andrew Aloia
BBC Sport, East Midlands

Image source, Getty Images

Swapping a promotion push with Blackburn Rovers for a relegation battle with Derby County is "too simplistic" a way to look at head coach John Eustace's potential move, says Oxford United boss Gary Rowett.

Eustace is close to leaving sixth-placed Rovers for a Derby side that moved out of the relegation places on goal difference on Tuesday night after picking up a point against Rowett's Oxford in a underwhelming goalless draw at Pride Park.

Rowett spoke before the match about expecting the 45-year-old former Rams midfielder to take the helm of a club be featured for across two spells.

Despite being at opposite ends of the table, it is understood that Eustace believes that Derby are the better long-term project. And with him and his family living in the region, location is also seen as motivating factor behind the potential move.

"It's very difficult to judge that decision," Rowett told BBC Sport.

"It's very easy to be black and white and say one team is sixth and one team is fourth from bottom when trying to understand why.

"Unless you are in a certain person's shoes, it's hard to judge why they want to make that decision. Both clubs are very good clubs, there is a history [as a player] with this club with someone like John.

"I'm not judging that, it's not for me to make comment on it, but I think it is a little too simplistic to think about it in those terms.

"What I would say is that it is very difficult to get into that position in the Championship [play-off spots], so there must be some form of a reason and I can only presume why he would want to make that move."

Image source, Rex Features

BBC Radio Lancashire is reporting that Blackburn boss John Eustace is expected to be announced as the new manager of Derby County later on Wednesday barring any "late hiccups".

It is anticipated the 45-year-old, who had two spells as a player at Derby, will be confirmed as the Rams' new boss in the next few hours following the sacking of Paul Warne on Friday.

BBC Radio Lancashire sports editor Andy Bayes stated on X, external that he expects Damien Johnson, David Lowe, Mike Sheron, Paul Butler and Ben Benson will be put in caretaker charge for Rovers' Championship game at West Bromwich Albion tonight.

Blackburn revealed on Monday, external they had reluctantly given a club permission to speak to Eustace after a release clause in his contract had been activated.

"These two games are clearly the sort of games you get when you are in flux - you're in a holding pattern before a new manager comes in. You'd expect a different performance at Queens Park Rangers on Friday."

Dominic Dietrich and Ed Dawes are joined by former Derby County academy coach Darren Robinson and ex-Rams striker Malcolm Christie to discuss the good and bad of Derby's goalless draw with Oxford United, and what it tells a new manager once they take charge.

Includes post-match interviews with first-team coach Matt Hamshaw and defender Callum Elder.

You can listen to the full post-match reaction and other episodes of Rams Daily on BBC Sounds.

Derby County first-team coach Matt Hamshaw hopes the club can make a permanent managerial appointment before Friday's Championship fixture against QPR, with John Eustace widely expected to take over at Pride Park.

BBC Radio Derby report that the Rams are closing in on naming the Blackburn boss as Paul Warne's replacement with Rovers reluctantly giving permission for the 45-year-old to speak to their Championship rivals.

Hamshaw would not be drawn specifically on Eustace in the wake of Derby's 0-0 draw against Oxford United on Tuesday night but would like a resolution sooner rather than later.

"It's probably been like every 28 hours at every football club," Hamshaw told BBC Radio Derby. "There is always rumours, always obstacles, always debate, always exactly this.

"Some people want a manger out, some people want a manager in. It's nothing new. That's football.

"Hopefully a new manager will be here [for Friday's match against QPR]. If he is, that's fantastic, and if he isn't rest assured I will try 100% to get the three points."

The stalemate against Oxford does lift the Rams out of the bottom three on goals scored but they could find themselves back in the relegation zone after Wednesday's matches, with Hull City and Luton Town in action.

"I'm disappointed and a bit frustrated. I probably felt a little like how the fans did - we were a bit passive, I thought we were a bit one-paced and thought we didn't take enough risks," Hamshaw added.

"I don't want to be too downbeat, we got a point and a clean sheet but I expect much better really. I know I'm a little bit negative, but I just have really high demands and really high expectations for the group.

"It doesn't feel like a great point at this moment in time, but tomorrow morning when I wake up and the lads come in and I see the league table, it might feel like a good point."

"I think he's the right man for the job. Not just because it's hopefully going to happen - we need a coach that's going to get on that grass."

Dominic Dietrich and Ed Dawes are joined by former Derby County goalkeeper Eric Steele to discuss talks between the club and Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace to fill their vacant managerial role, and what the former Rams midfielder could bring to the squad if appointed.

You can listen to this and other episodes of Rams Daily on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Getty Images

Oxford United boss Gary Rowett says he "expects" John Eustace to become the new Derby County head coach - but it won't change his approach to the game against them on Tuesday night either way.

Rowett suffered his first loss as U's boss at Burnley last week, having previously gone on a nine-game unbeaten run since taking over (W5 D4).

The 50-year-old returns to Pride Park, where he made 120 appearances as a player between 1995 and 1998 and managed from March 2017 to May 2018.

"It's a club I know really well, a club I've got a lot of fondness for, a lot of time for," Rowett told BBC Radio Oxford.

"But ultimately, we're going back there trying to win the game, like I have done many times going back there as an opposition manager."

Paul Warne was sacked as Rams boss on Friday and Matt Hamshaw took temporary charge for their 1-1 draw at Norwich the following day.

Derby are understood to have made an official approach for Blackburn Rovers head coach Eustace but are yet to name their new boss.

"I don't know whether the situation will make a lot of difference to us in terms of what we've got to do," Rowett said.

"We will be prepared like we always are away from home and regardless of whether they do or don't have a new manager, we won't take the game in any different vein.

"My presumption - and it's probably not founded on anything other than presumption - is that at some point, John Eustace will probably be Derby manager.

"So, whether that's at some point tomorrow and he takes the game or whether he's at the game - whatever that is, I think if you're a Derby player, you're going to perform for the staff there like they did on Saturday.

"But you're also going to have half an eye on 'there might be a new manager somewhere out there watching', whether they're in the stands or the dugout, so I don't think it will change anything."

Image source, Getty Images

Interim Derby County boss Matt Hamshaw expects to remain in charge for Tuesday's Championship game against Oxford, but is anticipating there will be a new head coach at Pride Park soon.

The Rams have made an official approach for Blackburn boss John Eustace, with the East Midlands club reportedly triggering a release clause of £500,000 for the 45-year-old.

BBC Radio Derby reported that Eustace's representatives were talking to the Blackburn owners on Monday about Derby's interest.

Eustace spoke about the approach after his side's FA Cup exit against Wolves on Sunday, although Hamshaw said there had been no specific mention of the Rovers boss when talking about who would succeed Paul Warne, who was sacked on Friday.

When asked about a timeline for the appointment, Hamshaw said: "They are trying to work as hard as they can to bring a new manager in, and hopefully there will be some light at the end of the tunnel sooner rather than later with that."

As far as Tuesday's home game goes, Hamshaw said he had "planned and prepped" as if he will be at the helm since Derby's draw at Norwich on Saturday.

"It's looking that way as we speak, but that could change again tomorrow (Tuesday) but I'm not assuming it will do," he said.

Oxford United are looking to bounce back from their first defeat of 2025 as they make the trip to managerless Derby County on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).

The U's had not lost since boss Gary Rowett's appointment in December but faltered to a 1-0 defeat against Burnley last time out.

While, the Rams ended a seven game losing streak with a draw against Norwich City on the weekend but remain a relegation threat.

• Derby County have lost just one of their last six league games against Oxford United (W4 D1), though the Rams did lose their last home match against the U's 2-1 in August 2023.

• Oxford United have won three of their last six away league games against Derby County (D1 L2), with each of those three victories coming via a one-goal margin.

• Derby County have lost their last four home league games without scoring a single goal, with three of those 1-0 defeats. The Rams last had a longer home losing run between July and October 2020 (5), while the Rams have never lost five in a row without scoring, with this their 2,558th home game in the Football League since being founder members in 1888.

• Oxford United suffered their first league defeat under Gary Rowett last time out against Burnley (W5 D4). The former Derby manager has won each of his last four away league games at Pride Park (one with Birmingham, three with Millwall).

• Although Oxford striker Tom Bradshaw only has one Championship goal in seven appearances against Derby, that goal came in a 1-0 win at Pride Park under current U's manager Gary Rowett, when he was manager of Millwall in December 2019.

Interim Derby County manager Matt Hamshaw said the 1-1 draw against Norwich City was a great result given their seven-game Championship losing run and the sacking of Paul Warne as head coach on Friday.

Hamshaw told BBC Radio Derby: "That performance gives me huge pride. It was really hard to pick the group up.

"They lads were devastated because Paul's a good guy and the lads really respected and liked him. But he was fully aware that the run results haven't been good enough.

"I thought we had the better opportunities and could easily have come away with three points.

"The club and fans are amazing. I'm really pleased that the fans have something to shout about rather than just doom and gloom. Today is a really good, positive day."

The fine folks at BBC Radio Derby have produced an extended version of the Rams Daily podcast to cover Friday's sacking of boss Paul Warne.

They speak to former Derby players Eric Steele, Curtis Davies and Malcolm Christie as well as hearing the views of Rams' supporters too.

Click on the 'play' icon above to listen in - and you can find all episodes of Rams Daily here.