Eustace leaves Blackburn to become Derby boss

Head coach John Eustace has left Championship promotion chasers Blackburn Rovers to take over as boss of relegation-threatened Derby County on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Eustace was absent from Blackburn's win at West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday, which lifted Rovers up to fifth in the table - 19 points and 16 places above Derby.

His first game in charge of the Pride Park side, with whom he had two spells as a player, will be Friday's trip to Queens Park Rangers.

It was late on Monday when Blackburn "reluctantly" gave Eustace permission to begin talks with their lowly Championship rivals, who sacked Paul Warne on Friday.

Despite meeting with Derby officials on Tuesday, Eustace was not spotted at Pride Park later that day as the Rams shared the points with Oxford United in an uneventful draw that lifted them out of the relegation places on goals scored.

Assistant head coach Matt Gardiner and first-team coach Keith Downing also leave Blackburn to join Eustace at Derby.

Derby owner David Clowes said he is "excited to welcome" Eustace back to Pride Park, where he ended his playing career a decade ago.

"Fans will remember him for his craft, commitment and intelligence, he was a real leader," Clowes told the club website., external

"I've followed his managerial career with interest, and it's clear he has the qualities we need to maintain our progress."

Eustace, who also previously managed Birmingham City in the second tier, leaves Ewood Park with Blackburn in the play-off spots with 14 matches remaining.

Despite the clubs being at opposite ends of the table, it is understood Eustace believes Derby are the better long-term project. And with his family living in the Midlands, location has been a major factor in the move.

Rovers said they were "disappointed by his decision to leave at this crucial stage of the season" but added they "understand" the family reason behind it and the pull of his former side.

"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," a Rovers statement said., external

"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."