Derby County manager Gary Rowett has signed a new long term contract with the club until 2021, the club have confirmed this evening.
Rowett, 43 is seen as one of English football’s brightest young managerial prospects and has been linked with manager-less Stoke City. Before committing his long term future to the Rams. Rowett was appointed manager in March 2017 after the dismissal of previous boss Steve McClaren, he was a former player for the side too. Playing 105 times and scoring 3 goals between 1995-1998.
He started his managerial career in 2012 as a player-manager for Burton Albion and oversaw their narrow 1-0 defeat in the League Two Play-Off Final against Fleetwood Town at Wembley in 2014. He left the club that October to take over at former club Birmingham City before being surprisingly sacked in December 2016. His successor at Burton, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, would eventually go on to to win promotion from League Two as champions the following season.
Derby Chairman Mel Morris couldn’t hide his delight at a new contract being agreed between the club and Rowett. Speaking to their official website he said:
“Gary is a largely talented football manager who has shown what can be achieved at this great club.”
“He’s a pleasure to work with and this is acknowledged at all levels within the club.”
Rowett has also spoken of his excitement for the future:
“I am thrilled to extend my contract with this great club through to 2021 and I have thoroughly enjoyed being at at Derby County.”
“I am looking forward to the future and helping to guide Derby County back to the Premier League where it belongs.”
Derby’s next match sees Rowett make a return to St Andrews where his side take on second-from-bottom Birmingham City. Derby are currently 2nd in the Championship, 2 points clear of the play-off places.
