John Eustace has left Blackburn Rovers to become the new head coach at their Championship rivals Derby County.
Rovers are fifth in the Championship table and well and truly in the play-off hunt – but Eustace has departed for a club sitting just outside the second-tier’s relegation zone, separated only by goals difference.
Eustace ended his playing career with Derby in 2015 – and his first game in charge is set to be a trip to QPR on Valentine’s Day, live on Sky Sports Football.
Friday 14th February 7:30pm
Kick off 8:00pm
As for Blackburn, who won 2-0 at promotion rivals West Brom on Wednesday night, interim boss David Lowe – who took charge of that game – will continue to lead Rovers on a temporary basis.
A statement from Blackburn read: “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.
Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between West Brom and Blackburn Rovers
“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.”
Eustace took charge at Blackburn 12 months ago, soon after being controversially sacked by Birmingham. The Lancashire club were 18th in the Championship at the time, but now lie in the top six.
Speaking last Sunday, Eustace said he wanted to talk to the Rovers ownership and, asked if he would be seeking assurances that he would continue to be well supported 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 adage: you don’t know what’s going on behind closed doors. You can only assume that there were relationships with the hierarchy or reassurances of what the future holds that Eustace didn’t particularly like.
“He did a brilliant job at Blackburn, he went in last February when they were in a bit of bother. He got them out and I don’t think anybody would have expected Blackburn to be where they are now.
“He brought some players in but they have mainly been free transfers or loan deals. So you wonder what the relationship with the hierarchy was behind the scenes. You can only assume that he was slightly mis-sold the project when he signed on the dotted line a year ago.
“The only logic is if Eustace gets more excited about the project at Derby County than he can get in the immediate future at Blackburn, then it’s the only thing you have to go on.
“When you look at the money they have brought in over the few years: Ben Brereton Diaz, Adam Wharton and Sammie Szmodics. The money has come into the football club and they certainly haven’t outlaid much of that in real terms.
“So I just wonder what reassurances John had. He was trying to build a team that is able to get Blackburn competing at the top of the Championship and with a bit of luck, up to the Premier League.”
Eustace’s first six fixtures at Derby – including Blackburn at home!
February 14: QPR (A), 8pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports Football
February 22: Millwall (H), 12.30pm
March 1: Middlesbrough (A), 3pm
March 8: Blackburn (H), 3pm
March 11: Coventry (H), 7.45pm
March 15: Plymouth (A), 3pm
