Derby are long term admirers of Nottingham Forest’s Mark Warburton.
Former Rangers manager Mark Warburton
Gary Rowett nearly struck a deal to become Nottingham Forest manager earlier this year only to rock up as Derby boss two month later.
But Forest will not be looking on jealously, responding by moving for ex Rangers manager Mark Warburton yesterday.
Warburton’s appointment adds further colour to this weekend’s clash between the two sides, because just like Rowett was nearly in the opposition dugout, the former Brentford boss could have been too.
The Sun reported last year that Warburton was a top target for Derby County owner Mel Morris, as they sought to replace Paul Clement.
The paper claimed Derby were ‘long term admirers’ of Warburton, but found it too difficult to prise him away from Rangers mid-season in his opening campaign at the club.
Derby stuck with coach Darren Wassall, before moving for Nigel Pearson in the summer and then bringing back Steve McClaren, only to fire him at the weekend.
Warburton did not complete his second season at Rangers, but Derby this year never really seemed like genuine contenders to land him, with the wheels already put in place to bring him to Forest by time they made their move to sack McClaren.
Fortunately for them, Gary Rowett was available, and could be an even shrewder appointment than Warburton, who is under pressure after his struggles in Scotland with Rangers this season.
The managerial merry go round has been running for a long time now and both clubs, and it is up to Rowett and Warburton to both grind it to a halt and bring some stability to East Midlands football.
Former Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett
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