Derby County told to eye ex-Nottingham Forest boss if John Eustace is sacked | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County fan pundit has named his ideal choice to replace the under-fire John Eustace

Derby County head coach John Eustace is under pressure following the team’s poor start to the new season.

The Rams finished an impressive eighth in the Championship table in the previous campaign, which led to many fans hoping the club could compete for promotion in 2026/27.

But Eustace’s side have earned just four points from their opening seven fixtures, leaving them inside the relegation zone as we approach the first international break of the season.

The new calendar also means that teams will have an additional week during the first break without games in order to make room for more international fixtures.

This presents teams with an early opportunity to make a change in the dugout, if there are concerns that a difficult start cannot be turned around.

It remains to be seen what the immediate future holds for Eustace’s position at Pride Park, but a failure to win this weekend against Burnley could be enough to cost him his job.

Two ideal John Eustace replacements identified

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When asked who the number one pick to replace Eustace would be, FLW’s Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward first claimed that he is still behind the current head coach.

However, if the 46-year-old is to be replaced, he believes that former Rams coach, and ex-Chelsea boss, Liam Rosenior would be his absolute first choice, even if it might not be realistic at the moment.

“I still personally believe that John Eustace should stay at Derby, just for the record,” Woodward told Football League World.

“However, if he was to go, I would love to see Liam Rosenior return to Derby.

“I think he’s the kind of coach that we need, a young forward-thinking manager that would give youth an opportunity.

“Speaks really well, conducts himself really well.

“And I think he could bring out the best out of the group we currently have.”

In terms of a more gettable option right now, Woodward has suggested ex-Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper as an alternative, and that his history with the club’s biggest rivals wouldn’t put him off the appointment.

“I know that’s probably not possible because I believe he’s moved on to another club, so I would look at Steve Cooper,” he added.

“He’s done really well at this level, multiple play-offs in his time with Swansea, got Nottingham Forest to the Premier League as well.

“Obviously, that would add some more spice to it as well, the fact that he’s managed Nottingham Forest and Leicester City, two of our rivals.

“So, I would be looking at Steve Cooper.

“Different type of manager to Liam Rosenior, but he’s a real strong manager, a real leader, really passionate, which I think the fans want to see.

“They want to see some passion on the sideline, in the interviews, some kind of honesty, when players need a kick up the bumb he’ll give it to them, but also praise them as well.

“And just his man management I think is quite good.

“So, I would like to see him come in, and it would be great if an ex-Forest manager could lead Derby to the Premier League, I think that would be a great story.

“So, if Rosenior’s not available, then go for Cooper.”

Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest stint

Cooper took charge of Nottingham Forest in September 2021 following their disappointing start to the season.

And he was able to guide the Reds to a play-off place in his first campaign as head coach, which led to the team earning promotion to the Premier League.

But, while he was able to keep the club in the top flight in the following campaign, he was ultimately dismissed in December 2023 amid the threat of relegation.

Cooper has since managed Leicester City and Danish giants Brondby, overseeing 15 and 28 games, respectively.

The 46-year-old has been out of work since last May, and it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to take over at Pride Park, if the job became available.

Meanwhile, Rosenior is in charge at Paris FC, having made the move in the summer after his brief spell as Chelsea head coach.

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Steve Cooper appointment would be risky for Derby

Of course, Cooper wouldn’t be the first person to manage both Derby and Nottingham Forest, which Brian Clough famously did, but his appointment at Pride Park risks not going down well with the fans.

His last role in English football, with Leicester, also didn’t fare particularly well either, which does raise some concerns.

Cooper has the potential to do well with this Derby squad based on his success at Swansea and Forest, but the Reds’ promotion came four years ago now, so it’s not a guarantee that he’d do so well again.

Eustace has also earned the chance to be given some time, and it’s still far too early in the season for the Rams to be rushing into a change in the dugout.