John Eustace speaks on his decision to leave Blackburn to become Derby head coach

John Eustace speaks on his decision to leave Blackburn to become Derby head coach in his first sit down interview on his appointment.

The Rams’ former midfielder has signed a contract which will run until the summer of 2028 and takes up his position with immediate effect.

John Eustace’s first press conference ahead of the game against QPR saw him, according to reports, speak well and was excited by Derby’s project.

On joining Derby County…

It’s a privilege to be here. I’m very honoured to be the head coach and I know the club very well. I’ve had two and a half, nearly three years of fantastic times here and I want to try and bring those times back.

When I met David [Clowes], he really sold the project to me about the club and where they want to be in the next three or four years. They’ve allowed me to help build the club and create something special and it was an opportunity too good to turn down really.

On returning to Derby as head coach…

When you’ve been part of the Derby family and you know what they’re all about and you appreciate the size of the club and the support that comes through the gates every week, home and away. It’s a huge football club and I want to try and help this football club get back to where it should be and that’s in the Premier League.

On Matt Gardiner and Keith Downing joining him as coaching staff…

They’ve been part of my journey throughout my managing career up to now and they’re fantastic people. They’re only going to help the group, and I think it was important that they came along and had a taste of a top, top football club.

On assessing the squad as he joins the group…

I think they’re a real honest bunch of players. I think we need to get that confidence back instilled into them. The lads have been on a difficult run of results. I think they’ve showed that fighting spirit in the last few games and we are going to need that to stay in the league. The group are ready to work as hard as they can to make sure we get some really positive results in the last 14 games.

On having a long-term vision for the club…

I’m here to build. I’m here to bring success back to the football club. I’m not here for the short term; I’m here for the long term. The opportunity to come after speaking to David and help get this football club back into the Premier League, however long it takes. I want to be part of that journey. I know how special the club is. I’ve played here, so I’m really looking forward to it.

Favourites to become new Blackburn manager as John Eustace leaves for Derby

This is what fans are saying as John Eustace speaks on his decision to leave Blackburn to become Derby head coach…

@robinellison98: Having met John multiple times, I’d have told anyone he’s a stand up genuine person, but the bloke is a fucking snake. Lied to the fans, lied to the Media, walked away from a strong league position so he can tuck his kids in at night. Our clubs fucked, but this is a joke.

@djc7kl: No thanks you to @Rovers or wishing them the best… or anything about how the players and us fans treated and supported him even if upstairs didn’t. Wow

@a_wildthing: Watching the full interview, he says quite a bit without saying it. Long term future, investment, care for the community, communication. Snakey behaviour and just further confirms what we all know about our owners and board #VenkysOut #SupportTeamNotTheRegime

@joshyski: long term vision of derby? 🤣 it’s cos his family is closer the muppet. I liked JE at blues but a move to derby is bizarre. no wonder we got rid, no ambition 🤣

@inman124: Left a team who are pretty likely to get into the playoffs for a team pretty likely to get relegated 🤔

@ChrisMartin_93: How can you have known about the approach on Friday if you didn’t know anything about any club coming in for you after the Wolves game on Sunday, John?

@ThomJaymes: John Eustace hasn’t painted himself in a good light given his apparent consistency in applying to other clubs whilst preaching ‘togetherness’ at the club he was coaching…..sacked by #bcfc when they were 6th, left #rovers in 6th….summit of his ability? Maybe more suited to L1

@lewikent: Said on sunday he heard nothing about it, all of a sudden he knew on friday! SNAKE! Hope you end up in league 1, tosser

@peteybrfc1875: Absolutely scum bag, should never have been allowed to take charge on Sunday, head and heart not in it. 🐍

@BavarianRovers: Bit stupid If you don’t remember your own lies John. Friday… Sunday…. whatever. Hope our Team will provide a proper hammering when we Play Derby.

@callum_linnane: Fucking weasel. Nothing and I mean nothing would fill me with more joy than to see derby go down. Not for the club or fans but for the snake who’s in the chair

@readrovers: An interview that feels more like a 🖕 to our hierarchy, rather than anything else. “Eustace wants #VenkysOut” 🐔😂 #Rovers 🌹🔵⚪

@j_marsh98: But I thought he only heard of the approach before the wolves game? 🤨 #Rovers

@allrovers_: 🚨 Eustace seemingly slamming Rovers hierarchy and says he feels a connect with the same ambition at Derby. #rovers

@SimonJohnFish: o Eustace had contact with Derby on Friday, and yet told us all after the game on Sunday he was unaware and wanted clarification. I know these things happen all the time, but he doesn’t come out of it very well.