Derby County questioned over Paul Warne sacking as 'bizarre' claim ...

4 hours ago

Derbyshire Live

Derby County questioned over Paul Warne sacking as bizarre claim

A run of seven straight defeats and the threat of relegation has prompted Rams owner David Clowes to sack his manager

Paul Warne has been sacked as Derby County head coach after a run of seven straight defeats left the club in the bottom three of the Championship - and fans in the Derbyshire Live comments section say they can't understand the timing of the move.

Rams owner David Clowes said: "Paul is a man of great integrity and embodies the values we hold important at Derby County. No fan should ever forget his contribution in securing promotion to the Championship. I certainly won’t.

“However, results in football dictate decisions and we felt that to give us the best chance of retaining our Championship status, the time was right to make a change. Paul goes with our thanks, gratitude and best wishes. He and his family will always be welcome at Pride Park.”

Warne led the club to promotion last season, taking the Rams back to the Championship after two years of League One football.

Some fans say they didn't expect a sacking, even if results have been poor. Reader Derby77 says: "Crazy timing. Day before a game and having spent a few million on transfers in the transfer window!

"He did a normal press conference yesterday and assuming set up the team for tomorrow. If he's been sacked, then it's likely compensation for him and his staff. Very bizarre... but I guess this is the Derby Way!"

Commenter Tap180 writes: "Wow, didn't see that coming. Strange decision and timing. On the fence with this one, definitely a 'time will tell' moment. Good luck for the future, Paul Warne - and thank you."

Grantdcfc agrees, commenting: "Wow. Strange timing though, why give him the whole window to sign his own players? Why give him all this week to prep for tomorrow?"

Dinnydobbydoo writes: "Timing of this is very strange, having just brought in players during the transfer window and the day before a big game. Whilst it's the norm for the Head Coach/Manager to get the sack, I can't help but think recruitment failures have not helped Paul Warne. Who next I wonder? I'm guessing Mr Clowes already has someone lined up!"

However, other supporters say the time was right for a change. Clp18 says: "Thanks Paul for getting us promoted, but now it is time for someone else to take control and keep us in the Championship."

Ohsoserious agrees, adding: "Well he can't say he wasn't given enough backing, or enough time to get things right. We would be heading back to League 1 if we stuck with him. Seems a decent bloke but simply not up to it at Championship level. Big call on the next manager. Needs to make a big turn around and quickly. No margin for error."

Ramsfan 67 says: "Not really surprised, 4 wins in 25 games and a last recorded win on Boxing Day, think he should have gone at the beginning of January so that any interim/manager could have had the January transfer window to recruit players the club needs to move forward. I think Paul Warne had reached his limit."

Utchram writes: "It had become painful to watch, no enjoyment, and the team selection plus the substitutions were strange. Needed a change, so we now all have to get behind the new manager."

And Reader Sporty concludes: "He did his best and we wish him well. He is a person as well, as he’s said himself, let’s not forget that. But it was time for change, although the timing is strange. Maybe Cooper?"