John Eustace is expected to sign a contract to become the next manager of Derby County this evening before being confirmed as Paul Warne's successor tomorrow.

Coaches Keith Downing and Matt Gardiner are understood to have also agreed a deal to lead Eustace’s backroom team at Pride Park, reprising their roles at Blackburn and Birmingham City with the former Rams player.

Eustace will be appointed to replace Paul Warne, the Rams’ promotion manager who was sacked on Friday after a run of seven successive Championship defeats.

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Assistant head coach Matt Hamshaw has been caretaker boss of the Rams since Warne’s exit, leading the club to successive draws against Norwich and Oxford and out of the Championship drop zone.

Derby are currently out of the bottom three on goals scored after being held to a goalless draw by Oxford at Pride Park last night. Eustace's first game in charge is expected to be QPR on Friday night.

Eustace asked to speak to the Rams following an official approach after reportedly feeling he had not been sufficiently backed by the Blackburn board during the recent transfer window. Nevertheless, his decision to turn his back on a top-six club for one fighting for Championship survival has surprised observers.

Explaining his thinking, the Lancashire Telegraph reported this week: “Whilst Derby County are in a far more perilous position, Eustace is understood to have taken a long-term view on the project on offer at Pride Park. The Rams have shown willingness to back the head coach over an extended period and, even if they're relegated, he believes they have an infrastructure that can be successful over several years."

Rovers are in action against West Brom this evening, and Rovers youth coach David Lowe will take charge of the first team.

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