Rowett was linked with the Derby County manager’s job before his recent sacking by Birmingham City.
Harry Redknapp has told Talksport that Gary Rowett was on Derby County’s radar before the Rams appointed Nigel Pearson.
Redknapp spent the second half of last season as Derby’s director of football alongside caretaker manager Darren Wassall, who returned to his previous role within the club’s academy after a failed play-off campaign.
Former Derby director of football Harry Redknapp
And the 69-year-old has admitted that Rowett was spoken highly of by Rams chairman Mel Morris, but the former was “entrenched” at Birmingham.
Speaking to Rowett – who was shockingly sacked by the Blues last week – on Monday’s Jim White Show, Redknapp said: “The offers are gonna come, because it’s not just Birmingham, it’s the job he did at Burton before that.
Former Birmingham manager Gary Rowett
“People are looking at Gary. I know the chairman at Derby before he appointed Nigel Pearson… I know Gary was well on his [radar]. He spoke so highly of him but he was sort of entrenched at Birmingham at the time.”
Pearson lasted just four months as Derby manager, and the Rams were again linked with Rowett as they searched for his successor in October.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
In the end, the Championship side turned to former boss Steve McClaren, whose position looks safe for the foreseeable future after winning eight and drawing two of his 11 games back at Pride Park.
Rowett, who left Birmingham seventh in the standings, told Talksport that he has already had job offers and is not expected to be out of work for long.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
