Derby County have identified former Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner as an alternative to Wayne Rooney as the Championship strugglers look for a new head coach, as reported by The Sun (29 November, page 65).
The Rams were much improved on Saturday as Rooney dropped himself from the matchday squad and swapped his number 32 shirt for a tracksuit. However, those familiar problems still reared their ugly head during a home clash with Wycombe Wanderers.
A Derby side that has scored just three times all season from open play could, and should, have added to Duane Holmes’ impudent opener on home soil.
But, after missing a host of chances, ‘Mr Wycombe’ Matt Bloomfield made them pay for their profligacy with a late, crushing equaliser at Pride Park.
Derby are now bottom of the table, five points adrift of safety.
And, according to The Sun, the East Midland giants could turn to a more experienced hand if they feel player-coach Rooney isn’t ready for such a daunting challenge in his first managerial role.
Wagner, sacked by Schalke in September after a miserable start to 2020/21, is one name under consideration with ex-Rams boss Steve McClaren, who was appointed as an adviser last week, set to play a key role in the recruitment process.
Wagner famously guided an unfancied and unfashionable Huddersfield side to promotion via the play-offs in 2017 and Derby obviously feel the German could have a similarly transformative impact at Pride Park.
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