Derby County are reportedly set to interview managerial candidates this week.
Derby County chairman Mel Morris
According to The Mirror, Derby County owner Mel Morris has shortlisted a number of candidates to replace Nigel Pearson, and will conduct interviews this week.
The Rams only appointed Pearson over the summer, and felt the 53-year-old was the man to finally guide Derby back to the Premier League, having seen him do the same with Leicester City in 2014.
Ex-Derby County manager Nigel Pearson
However, Pearson’s short spell at the iPro Stadium proved to be an absolute nightmare; he claimed just three wins in 14 games in all competitions, and was firstly suspended last month before being sacked on Saturday.
Pearson’s assistant Chris Powell has taken charge of the Rams for their last two games, and remains unbeaten having picked up four points in those two games.
Derby caretaker manager Chris Powell
Now, The Mirror report that Powell is in contention to land the job permanently as Rams owner Mel Morris has shortlisted a number of managers to potentially replace Pearson.
It’s claimed that Morris will conduct interviews with those shortlisted managers this week, with Derby set to face Leeds United at the iPro Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Birmingham manager Gary Rowett
The report adds that Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett – another former Derby County defender, much like Powell – is one manager that Morris is keen on, but whether the Blues would allow him to leave for a Championship rival remains to be seen.
With no odds available from bookmakers, many seem to believe that Powell landing the job permanently is a formality – but The Mirror’s report suggests there are other candidates in the mind of owner Morris.
Who would you like to see Derby appoint as their new manager?
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