A torrid run of seven losses in a row led to Paul Warne being relieved of his duties as Derby County manager this week, as the Rams slid into the relegation zone after Hull City's shock 3-0 away victory at Sheffield United.Â
Goalscoring has been a real problem for Derby this season, having managed only 32 goals so far, finding the net only three times in their previous seven matches, a record which will have contributed heavily to Warne's dismissal. Top scorer Jerry Yates has only bagged six times, with Ebou Adams in second place on a measly four.
As the club remain only one point adrift of safety with 15 games to go, there is ample time for the Rams to save themselves, but Derby's hierarchy felt it was time for a change, with their last victory coming on Boxing Day in the form of a 2-1 scoreline against West Brom.
Multiple managers are being lined up to take the wheel at Pride Park, with current Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace the favourite.
Current favourites
John Eustace – 7/4
The Ewood Park faithful would be gutted to see the departure of their gaffer, John Eustace, who has stewarded Blackburn into sixth place in the Championship on a very tight budget. Able to find diamonds in the rough such as new signing Yuki Ohashi, Eustace has proven himself to be a tactically shrewd and resourceful manager. Therefore, it is really no wonder that he is becoming one of the most sought-after bosses in the second tier.
Rovers sit inside the play-off places by a single point, surrounded by Middlesbrough, West Brom and Norwich. It is testament to the Englishman's capabilities that his Blackburn side sit in amongst some teams boasting much stronger squads, with Boro alone having spent around £7 million in the January transfer window. With 13 wins from 31 fixtures, the 2024/25 campaign has been a relatively successful one for the Lancashire side.
Thus, it seems strange that Eustace would consider making the move to Derbyshire, as swapping a play-off battle for a relegation scrap is hardly the most desirable change when attempting to gain promotion to the Premier League. However, from Derby's point of view this would be an incredible acquisition, as Eustace had also impressed at Birmingham City before the club's disastrous appointment of Wayne Rooney.
Although priced at 7/4, this is a move that does not quite make sense from Eustace's perspective, so punters should proceed with caution when backing a switch to Pride Park.
Lee Carsley – 2/1
Former Birmingham City midfielder and recent England interim manager Lee Carsley has been touted as a potential Paul Warne replacement in the last few days. A previous Derby player himself, Carsley has never had a full taste of professional management, having interim stints at Coventry City, Brentford and Birmingham.
In the same vein, he managed five wins from six matches as England boss, but was never formally considered for the position, with former Chelsea gaffer Thomas Tuchel taking the reins instead.
Carsley actually began his career at Derby, making 138 appearances for the Rams, scoring five goals. Therefore, it would be fitting for him to properly commence his management career with the same club that inaugurated his playing days.
At 2/1, the Englishman certainly has a fair shot at securing the role, and could provide a good return on investment for punters.
Richie Wellens – 6/1
Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens has been given a 6/1 outside chance to take the Derby hot seat, fresh off the back of an impressive FA Cup outing in which his side nearly rocked Manchester City, eventually being defeated 2-1. The 44-year-old has been in charge of Orient for 151 games, averaging 1.62 points per match with a record of 72 wins.
Although a move to the Championship may be tempting for Wellens, it would be tough to leave his beloved Orient at present, as they sit just three points off the League One play-off places. A recent 6-2 thumping of Exeter City showed just how potent his side can be in attack, with top scorer Charlie Kelman having managed eight goals this season.
All in all, despite the allure of the second tier, Wellens should be expected to remain at Brisbane Road at least until the end of the season.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
