With strong leadership, a clear vision, and unwavering support from the fans, Clowes is confident that the Rams are on the right path…
Derby County’s owner, David Clowes, has
broken his silence on the club’s
appointment of John Eustace as head
coach, explaining the decision that could
shape the Rams’ future. With Derby
aiming for a return to English football’s
upper tiers, Clowes believes Eustace
possesses the leadership, tactical
acumen, and passion to guide the club in
the right direction.
A Leader with Derby DNA
For Clowes, the decision to bring in
Eustace wasn’t just about hiring a coach
—it was about finding a leader who truly
understands Derby County. Eustace, a
former Rams midfielder, has a deep
connection with the club and its
fanbase.
“John isn’t just another appointment;
he’s someone who understands what this
club means to the supporters,” Clowes
explained. “He played here, he’s led on
the pitch, and he knows exactly what
Derby County represents. That was a
huge factor in our decision.”
Having played for Derby between 2009
and 2010, Eustace earned a reputation as
a smart, disciplined midfielder with
leadership qualities. Those same traits
have carried into his managerial career,
making him an ideal fit for Clowes’
vision of the club.
Proven Tactical Ability
Eustace has quietly built an impressive
coaching résumé. After working as an
assistant at QPR, he took charge at
Birmingham City, where he led the club
to a stable position in the Championship
before his controversial sacking. His
tactical approach is centered around
high work rate, defensive organization,
and fluid attacking transitions—qualities
that Clowes believes are essential for
Derby’s ambitions.
“John’s ability to develop teams and get
the best out of his players was clear from
his time at Birmingham and Blackburn,”
Clowes noted. “We want a team that
plays with intensity, intelligence, and
resilience. He’s proven that he can build
teams that do exactly that.”
At Birmingham, Eustace took a struggling
squad and turned them into a well-
drilled, competitive side, achieving
results despite financial constraints.
Similarly, at Blackburn, he helped steady
the team’s performances before
departing.
A Long-Term Vision
One of the key reasons behind Clowes’
decision was Eustace’s commitment to
long-term success rather than quick
fixes. Derby County is still rebuilding
after financial turmoil in recent years,
and Clowes wants stability above all
else.
“We aren’t looking for a short-term fix,”
Clowes emphasized. “We need someone
who’s invested in building something
special here. John’s vision aligns with
ours—developing young talent, creating
a strong team identity, and building a
culture that fans can be proud of.”
Eustace has a strong reputation for
working with young players, something
that fits well with Derby’s philosophy.
The Rams have always been a club that
prides itself on nurturing talent, and
Clowes sees Eustace as the perfect
mentor to guide Derby’s young prospects
into the first team.
A Club and Fanbase Ready to Back Him
Beyond Eustace’s credentials, Clowes
made it clear that the entire club must
rally behind its new head coach to
ensure success. Derby County’s fanbase
is known for its passion and unwavering
support, and Clowes believes that unity
will be crucial in the journey ahead.
“This club is built on its supporters, and
we need everyone pulling in the same
direction,” he said. “John understands
that, and he’s ready to embrace the
challenge. We all need to get behind him
and the players as we push forward.”
With Derby still fighting for promotion
and looking to re-establish itself as a
powerhouse in English football, Clowes’
choice of Eustace is a statement of intent.
It’s about more than just winning games
—it’s about building a legacy.
As the Eustace era begins, all eyes will be
on Derby County. With the right
leadership, the right vision, and the full
backing of the fans, Clowes believes the
Rams are heading in the right direction.
