Blackburn Rovers have “reluctantly granted” their manager, John Eustace, permission to speak to fellow Championship side Derby County.
Eustace confirmed after Sunday’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Wolves that Derby had made an official approach for his services. The relegation-threatened Rams are seeking a replacement for Paul Warne, who was sacked on Friday.
The 45-year-old finished his playing career at Derby, and appears set to swap a promotion push with Rovers for a survival scrap with the Pride Park club, who currently sit 22nd in the Championship table, one point shy of safety.
A statement from Rovers read: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm that head coach John Eustace has requested permission to speak with another Championship club, following the activation of a clause in his contract.
“The club is extremely disappointed by John Eustace’s request to hold discussions with another club at such a crucial stage of the season, but this has now been reluctantly granted,” the statement added.
Eustace took charge at Blackburn 12 months ago, soon after being controversially sacked by Birmingham, who replaced him with Wayne Rooney. The Lancashire club were 18th in the Championship at the time, but this term are challenging for a playoff spot and sit in sixth place.
Speaking on Sunday, Eustace said he wanted to talk to the Rovers ownership after Derby’s approach was made. When asked if he would be seeking assurances that he would continue to be well supported by the club, he said: “Of course.”
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Warne was appointed by Derby in September 2022 and guided them to promotion from League One last season. He was dismissed after a seven-match losing run left the Rams in the relegation zone and in danger of an immediate return to the third tier.
