Derby County have officially confirmed the appointment of former player Gary Rowett as the club's new manager following the recent sacking of Steve McClaren.
Rowett has signed a two and a half year contract with the Championship club, and will begin work with the Rams with immediate effect. His first game in charge will come this weekend, as Derby travelacross the East Midlands to take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
BREAKING NEWS: Rowett has appointed Kevin Summerfield, Mark Sale, Kevin Poole & Joe Carnall to his backroom team: https://t.co/SVpQMJjCwq � pic.twitter.com/4jkqKUTeDj
The 43-year-old has impressed over the course of his managerial career so far with Burton Albion and Birmingham City, but now returns to the club where he spent three years as a player. Rowett made120 appearances for the club between 1995 and 1998, andcontributed to the Rams' promotion to the top flight in 1995/96.
Speaking to theclub's websiteon his return, he said:"I'm naturally thrilled to be appointed as the manager of Derby County and can't wait to get started. I feel that I have a special bond with the club having been here as a player. During that time, we tasted success when we were promoted to the Premier League and moved to Pride Park Stadium under Jim Smith.
BREAKING NEWS: Kevin Phillips will remain on the #DCFC coaching staff but Pascal Zuberbuhler is departing: https://t.co/SVpQMJjCwq � pic.twitter.com/mA2YupuLyi
"Living in the local area, I understand the expectation of the fanbase and it goes without saying that Derby County has fantastic and committed supporters. I have coached in the Academy in the past so I know the values of the club and I am looking forward to sharing my experience and knowledge of the league with the staff and players.
"I am fully aware of the playing squad here and I am looking forward to working with them all first hand."
Chairman Mel Morris added:"We are delighted to welcome Gary Rowett back to Derby County as our new manager. Gary is being tasked with, and has the full responsibility for, leading our redevelopment programme.
"Gary, of course, played for us for three years during his playing career, lives in Derby and is passionate about our football club. He is an exemplar of the qualities and values we want in our team and has clearly demonstrated his abilities to get that from his players too.
"I am sure that all of our supporters, staff and players extend their unequivocal support and best wishes to Gary and his staff."
For more great content, subscribe to 90min on YouTube, and follow @_scottsaunders on Twitter!