Experience could be key in deciding next boss

ALL manager appointments carry an element of risk, whether that is a vastly experienced manager or a first-timer.

Derby County are searching for a new manager following Phillip Cocu’s departure and it will be the first big decision facing the prospective new owners with a takeover imminent. It is a huge decision that will need careful consideration.

Opinions on who the new manager should be flood social media daily as fans discuss the ‘runners and riders’ while pundits offer their thoughts.

The bookmakers also join in. Rams player-coach Wayne Rooney is one of the favourites along with Rafa Benitez, the former Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle

United boss, who is manager at Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional.

Benitez signed an extremely lucrative two-and-a-half year deal with Dalian Professional in July 2019, according to reports. Would he see his next move as Derby, given the position they find themselves?

Yes, new owners are set to come in but there still has to be realistic expectations when it comes to spending, especially at a Championship club, although turning to somebody like Benitez would be a huge statement.

Rooney is part of a four-man coaching team featuring Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker that will take charge of the side at Bristol City on Saturday.

Rooney has made no secret of the fact that once his playing days are over he is looking to go into coaching and management, as Frank Lampard did.

Derby appointing Lampard on a three-year contract in 2018 was a risk. He had no previous managerial experience and yet it almost paid off as the Rams reached the play-off final only to be beaten by Aston Villa.

Phillip Cocu had greater managerial experience with PSV Eindhoven and Fenerbahce, but his appointment on a four-year deal was also a risk and it did not work out.

There is no exact science to this, appointments can succeed or they can fail.

Lampard took on a team that had reached the play-offs the previous season and he added his own signings, including talented youngsters Mason Mount, Harry Wilson and Fikayo Tomori on seasonlong loans.

Currently, Derby sit bottom of the Championship having won only one of their 11 League games. There is still plenty of time within the 46-match programme to move out of trouble and into a more comfortable position but they do need to start winning some games and there are 11 crucial fixtures before the January transfer window opens.

Given the situation, it would suggest leaning towards a manager with experience, somebody who knows their way around the Championship when it comes to management and who can hit the ground running.

A different voice, a fresh pair of eyes.

It is a big ask for any manager, never mind a first-time manager.

I am not against appointing young managers or coaches because everybody deserves a chance to show what they can do, and individuals like Lampard, Rooney - who is working through his coaching badges – Steven Gerrard and John Terry have vast knowledge from their hugely-successful playing careers and having worked under some of the best managers in the business.

And who wouldn’t take this job if offered it?

An experienced head working alongside a young manager or coach, maybe?

That is another possibility but it is impossible to predict what will happen until the new owners are in place and we know their thoughts on the matter and hear their plans for the club.