Cocu and Derby part ways after dismal start

Derby County and head coach Philip Cocu have parted ways by mutual consent with the Rams bottom of the Championship with six points from 11 games.

The former Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder, who had previously coached in the Dutch Eredivisie and Turkish Super Lig, took over at Pride Park to start last season and made a late playoff push after the arrival of Wayne Rooney, but eventually fell six points short.

And Derby’s relegation form in 2020/21 was hardly surprising, with just two Championship wins in their past 17 games, dating back to July.

Cocu was praised for his youth development though, harnessing one of the countries most productive academies in recent years, and the club also made this point in a statement saying, “The club would like to place on record its appreciation for the way Phillip and his staff conducted themselves in what were some extremely challenging situations during his tenure.

“Phillip and his staff helped develop and establish a considerable number of Academy players into the first-team squad and Phillip made significant financial contributions and personal efforts towards the club’s community projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, which the club are extremely grateful for.”

Cocu is currently undergoing a period of self-isolation after a positive Covid test, while Derby themselves are reportedly on the brink of a takeover by Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan of the Abu Dhabi royal family.

Current Rams player Wayne Rooney is the betting favourtie to take over in the dugout as either a manager or player-manager, while names like Nigel Pearson and Danny Cowley are also early runners.

Derby County Football Club have parted company with manager Phillip Cocu, Chris van der Weerden and Twan Scheepers by mutual agreement and immediate effect.

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— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) November 14, 2020