Derby County’s manager situation is discussed by the Oxford United manager.

Following a run of seven straight Sky Bet Championship losses, the Rams fired head coach

Paul Warne on Friday afternoon. The following day, interim manager Matt Hamshaw guided the

team to a 1-1 draw away against Norwich City. The Rams have formally approached Blackburn

Rovers head coach John Eustace, though it is unclear if he will be present against the U’s or even

if he will accept the position. READ ALSO: New book evokes magical memories of Oxford United

in the 1980s Rowett spent three years with the Rams as a player and managed the team from March 2017 to May 2018,

leading them to the 2018 Championship play-off semi-finals, where they lost to Fulham.

It’s a club I know very well and have a lot of time and affection for, but in the end, we’re going

back there trying to win the game, as I have done numerous times returning there as an opposition manager.

I had a great time there as a player, and I was also an academy coach there before eventually becoming the manager.

Regarding what we must do, I’m not sure if the circumstances will play a significant role.

“I anticipate a challenging and physically demanding game. They are a competitive and running team,

and I believe they came up with a somewhat different answer away against Norwich. However,

I wouldn’t be shocked if they used that strong performance and outcome in a home

game and played a little more aggressively there.

“As always, we’ll be ready when we’re away from home. Regardless of whether they have a new manager or not,

we will treat the game with the same respect as usual when we are away from home.