As Derby County weighs up their next managerial choice, Eustace’s history provides valuable insights and key factors to consider for the club’s future path…
As Derby County reportedly eyes John
Eustace for their managerial position, it’s
essential to evaluate his performance
during his recent tenures at Birmingham
City and Blackburn Rovers to understand
what he might bring to Pride Park.
Birmingham City Tenure
Eustace took the helm at Birmingham
City in July 2022. Over his tenure, he
managed 63 matches, securing 21 wins,
15 draws, and 27 losses, resulting in a
win percentage of approximately 33.3%.
His average points per match stood at
1.24. citeturn0search6
During the 2022/2023 Championship
season, under Eustace’s guidance,
Birmingham City played 46 league
matches, achieving 14 wins, 11 draws,
and 21 losses. This performance placed
them in the lower mid-table, reflecting
the challenges the team faced throughout
the season. citeturn0search0
Transition to Blackburn Rovers
In February 2024, Eustace was appointed
as the manager of Blackburn Rovers.
Since his appointment, he has overseen
52 matches, achieving 18 wins, 14 draws,
and 20 losses, which translates to a win
percentage of approximately 34.6%. His
average points per match with
Blackburn stands at 1.31.
citeturn0search6
In the 2024/2025 Championship season,
Blackburn Rovers, under Eustace’s
leadership, played 29 matches, securing
12 wins, 6 draws, and 11 losses. This
performance indicates a win percentage
of about 41.4% for that season.
citeturn0search0
Comparative Analysis
Comparing his tenures at both clubs,
Eustace’s win percentage saw a slight
improvement at Blackburn Rovers
(34.6%) compared to Birmingham City
(33.3%). His average points per match
also increased from 1.24 at Birmingham
to 1.31 at Blackburn. These statistics
suggest a modest upward trajectory in
his managerial performance.
Potential Impact at Derby County
With Derby County reportedly
considering Eustace for their managerial
role, his recent experiences at
Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers
could be invaluable. His familiarity with
Championship football and his ability to
navigate teams through challenging
seasons may align with Derby’s
aspirations. However, it’s crucial for
stakeholders to consider the context of
his previous tenures, including squad
quality, financial constraints, and club
ambitions, to assess his potential fit at
Derby County.
In conclusion, John Eustace’s managerial
record reflects a coach with experience
in England’s second tier, demonstrating
resilience and adaptability. As Derby
County deliberates on their next
managerial appointment, Eustace’s track
record offers both insights and
considerations for the club’s future
direction.
