Derby County boss Gary Rowett is seemingly set to become the new manager of Stoke City.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Stoke City are close to appointing Derby County’s Gary Rowett as their new manager after the clubs agreed upon a £1.8 million compensation package.
Rowett has only been with the Rams for a little over a year, joining the club after he was bizarrely dismissed by fellow Midlands side Birmingham City following a successful takeover at St. Andrew’s.
The former Derby fullback guided the Rams to a playoff position this season, though they ultimately came up short in their bid for promotion to the Premier League as they lost 2-1 on aggregate to third-placed Fulham.
With Stoke suffering relegation from the top-flight, both clubs will be seeking promotion from the Championship next season so one may wonder why Rowett is on the verge of leaving Derby for the Bet365 Stadium.
Here we look at three key reasons:
Better shot at promotion:
While both clubs will be seeking promotion next season, Stoke are far more likely to achieve that goal as they currently boast a better squad of players while money to spend is also a major factor.
Derby are backed by wealthy owner Mel Morris, but their lavish spending in recent years and failure to earn promotion seemingly sees them incredibly close to the renowned Financial Fair Play limit.
The Rams don’t have much leeway in terms of buying new players, and instead they could be forced to sell key player Matej Vydra (The Telegraph) unlike Stoke who have big parachute payments to ease their transition.
Safer option:
Aside from Stoke’s better prospects of promotion, the Potters actually represent a safer option in terms of Rowett’s managerial CV and the likelihood of looking better on the outside.
Derby’s financial situation means they aren’t likely to strengthen much this summer, and with several other clubs getting better, they are in danger of slipping away from the top six next term regardless of Rowett’s ability.
Mel Morris isn’t exactly the most patient of owners around, so why would Rowett risk getting the sack with Derby midtable next season when there is a better opportunity in Stoke on offer elsewhere?
Bigger wage:
Moving to Stoke may give Rowett a better shot at promotion in a cosier environment, and to top it off he is likely to receive a bigger salary which makes the move even more of a no-brainer for him.
Rowett was never a flash Premier League player earning millions at a top club, therefore he may value the monetary side more than other renowned managers who aren’t as financially motivated.
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