A season which appeared to go pretty much in their stride until the dawn of 2017, Derby County have fired Steve McLaren from the manager’s post once again. McLaren’s return to the Pride Park Stadium lasted merely five months and after a shambolic run of 1 win in 11 league outings, his management proved to be a futile one. As a result, the Rams are languishing in the doldrums and are likely to miss out on a play-off spot.
Nonetheless, Derby County have a monumental task ahead of them as they have to search for the next candidate to fill the managerial post and here are three candidates that should attract interest from the Championship outfit.
Alan Pardew
If the Rams are keen to reclassify themselves as a formidable force, they need to try and lure Alan Pardew in the summer, if not in the ongoing season. The 55-year-old and Crystal Palace parted ways in December after a terrible run with the Eagles but has years of management left in him.
Besides, his experience in the Championship is galvanising, for he has managed Reading, West Ham United and Charlton Athletic in the past and thus, acclimatising himself with the Championship would not be a tough ask for him.
Gary Rowett
Having played more than a century of games for Derby County, Rowett is undoubtedly a strong contender to manage the Rams. The former Birmingham City manager, who is currently without a club, was sacked by the Blues despite having taken them to the seventh spot in the league table and were outside of the play-off zone on goal difference. The 43-year-old would be keen to prove a point and Derby County need to lay their hands on him quickly, for there are teams queuing up for his signature.
Mark Warburton
Warburton left Rangers in controversial circumstances but having brought the Gers back to the Ladbrokes Premiership from the second tier of Scottish football and making them a strong candidate for a spot in the Europa League, he wasn’t credited as much as he deserved.
Nonetheless, the 54-year-old should be an ideal candidate to fill in the managerial role at the Pride Park Stadium, considering the fact that he has the experience of managing Brentford before moving to the Ibrox and has excellent knowledge about the game which should help Derby County in meeting their requirements.
Derby need to make a decision fast and a wise one if they are to get their season and the planning for the next one back on track.
