Why Is John Eustace Joining Derby County?

The big news coming out of the EFL at the moment is the uncertainty surrounding John Eustace’s future at Blackburn Rovers. He joined the Rovers almost exactly a year ago while they were in decline but has since brought them into the playoff places this season. Despite losing at the weekend in the FA Cup to Wolves and a recent poor run of form in the league, the hierarchy at Blackburn are happy with the job that he has done and certainly don’t want to get rid of him.

The move to Derby also seems strange from Eustace’s side too. Blackburn are in a really strong position to challenge for the playoffs this season while Derby are in retched form and in the relegation zone right near the bottom of the table. Rams manager Paul Warne was sacked just a few days ago and they have been sniffing around Eustace ever since. But why is he keen to join?

Derby And Eustace Have History

Derby are certainly not doomed to relegation; they are just one point from safety, so the right manager could see them stay up and even push into mid-table. There are a lot of games still to play in the league this season, so nothing is certain at the bottom of the table.

On top of this, Derby and Eustace have a history. Since the news that he might become the Rams’ new manager has gained traction, videos have surfaced on social media in which Eustace can be heard supporting the team. Eustace sees the midlands as his home, having been born in Solihull.

BREAKING: Blackburn Rovers have given head coach John Eustace permission to speak with Derby County, adding that they are "extremely disappointed" by Eustace's request 🚨 pic.twitter.com/EllqeXnwU6

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 10, 2025

As a player, Eustace had two stints at Derby, one on loan and one permanently. The first was a loan move from Watford to help out with Derby’s midfield injury crisis in 2009. He made nine appearances in the loan spell with his only goal coming against his parent club on the final day of the season.

He also played for the club between 2013-15 and probably would have stayed longer had he not picked up a major injury that ended his career. He joined the Derby after a successful trial following his release from Watford, impressing then manager Nigel Clough. He wasn’t brought in to start games, but instead to cover in both a central midfield and central defensive position.

Is Eustace A Good Manager?

During his time at Derby, there were links with him moving to Rangers, as their new manager Mark Warburton was very impressed with him, telling the BBC that he was an ‘ultra-professional on and off the pitch’. His professionalism has followed him into his managerial career, as he has tried to keep everything behind closed doors. On Monday morning he took training before he told Blackburn that he wanted to join Derby.

📰 Club Statement: John Eustace#Rovers 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/m2eaPmLCZn

— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) February 10, 2025

Not only is he professional about how he goes about his coaching, but he is also a good manager tactically. He saved Blackburn from relegation this season and has pushed a squad that is weaker on paper than those around them into the playoff places. Should he leave now, Rovers will be hard pushed to find anyone who can replicate what he has managed.

There are some reports that Eustace might be leaving because of a lack of support from the board. Financially, it would seem that he was supported adequately in the January transfer window, as the club brought in three new players, but he feels like that is the only backing that he has received, and some Blackburn fans agree that the moves by the club recently have showed that.