Ex-Coventry City captain set to swap play-off push for relegation battle after permission granted
Blackburn Rovers have given former Coventry City captain John Eustace permission to talk to Derby County over the vacant manager’s job after crunch talks.
The Championship side released a statement confirming a clause in his contract, thought to be worth around £500,000, had been triggered by Derby who made an official approach at the weekend.
Eustace, who was among the candidates considered by the Sky Blues before Frank Lampard was appointed as Mark Robins’ replacement in November, is thought to be disappointed by a less than inspiring January transfer window at Ewood Park.
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He held talks with Rovers’ hierarchy, which includes former Coventry CEO Steve Waggott, on Monday afternoon about his desire to speak to Derby and the Championship club say they have “reluctantly granted” that request.
Derby – where Eustace ended his playing career – now look primed to land their number one managerial target after the club sacked Paul Warne on Friday, ending his two-and-a-half-years at the club.
“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,” said Rovers in a statement.
“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.
“With significant investment being made during the January transfer window, with six new additions, several of whom impressed during yesterday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Wolves, the Board and Ownership feel the club are in good position to challenge for one of the play-off places this season.
“With the squad bolstered, key players returning from injury and Rovers currently in a strong position in the Championship, the club and players remain focused on achieving the best possible outcome this season. The club will make no further comment at this time.”
