Derby County have announced the sacking of head coach Paul Warne.
The 51-year-old has been in charge of the Rams since September 2022, recording 60 wins from his 142 matches in charge.
However, despite guiding Derby to promotion from League One in 2023-24, the club's hierarchy have opted for a change in direction.
As many as eight defeats have been recorded in a row in all competitions, seven coming in the Championship and a penalty-shootout loss versus Leyton Orient in the FA Cup also being posted.
With the East Midlands outfit having dropped into the Championship relegation zone, owner David Clowes has removed Warne from his position in the dugout.
A message from the owner. pic.twitter.com/2bbhvgXIJO
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) February 7, 2025
"Results in football dictate decision"
Derby sit two points clear of bottom-placed Plymouth Argyle, as well as remaining within five points of Stoke City in 18th spot.
Nevertheless, the East Midlands outfit have won just four of their last 23 fixtures in the Championship, suffering 13 defeats during that period.
Furthermore, Derby have failed to score in five of their last seven second-tier fixtures, netting just the three times.
Despite Sondre Langas and Harrison Armstrong being signed from Viking Stavanger and Everton respectively since the turn of the month, a new manager will be appointed to use the duo.
Fist-team coach Matt Hamshaw has been placed in charge until a permanent successor is appointed.
© Imago
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A wide array of notable names are already being linked with the vacant position at Pride Park, including former Rangers and Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard.
Rob Edwards and Russell Martin - most recently of Luton Town and Southampton respectively - are also said to be in the running, as is Steve Cooper, who has already managed fellow East Midlands side's Nottingham Forest and Leicester City.
With Derby facing Norwich City, Oxford United and Queens Park Rangers all in the space of a week, it remains to be seen whether the club's board will look to make a quick decision or leave Hamshaw at the helm in the short term.
Darren Plant
