New eras for Derby County & Nottingham Forest ahead of their East Midlands clash
Written by James Clark, ITV News Central Sports Reporter
What a Tuesday it has been for the world of football in the East Midlands! We woke today to the news that Gary Rowett was back in management.
The former Birmingham City and Burton Albion boss is now the manager of Derby County Football Club. He has signed a contract that will see him at Pride Park until the end of the 2018/19 season.
He brings with him Kevin Summerfield as Assistant Manager, Mark Sale as First Team Coach, Kevin Poole as Goalkeeping Coach and Joe Carnall as Head of Performance Analysis.
Just a few hours later it was the turn of local rivals Nottingham Forest. Mark Warburton is now the man in charge at the City Ground.
The ex Rangers and Brentford manager has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal and is joined by David Weir as the new assistant manager.
Gary Rowett
Gary Rowett played for Derby County between 1995 and 1998, making more than 100 appearances.
He is a well respected manager. He began down the road at Burton Albion in March 2012 and took charge of 142 games. The 43-year-old then moved to Birmingham City.
He was unexpectedly sacked last December despite guiding the club towards a potential playoff spot.
Derby are 10 points off the playoffs with nine games of the season remaining.
Rowett will set out his plans for the Rams later this afternoon when he is formally introduced to the media.
Birmingham City (October 2014 - December 2016): Games - 106, Won 42, Draws 32, Lost 32 Burton Albion (March 2012 - October 2014): Games - 142, Won 63, Draws 34, Lost 45.
Mark Warburton
Like Gary Rowett, Mark Warburton has previously managed two clubs - Brentford and Rangers.
He has achieved success, winning promotion to the Championship with Brentford and guiding Rangers to the Scottish Championship title as well as the Scottish Challenge Cup. He resigned from the club last month.
Waburton's job this season will be to make sure Forest don't get relegated. They're currently at risk of dropping into League One and sit just two points above danger.
The NFFC Supporters Trust have told me this lunchtime they're encouraged by the appointment of the 54-year-old but that his first job is to steer the club away from relegation.
Rangers (June 2015 - February 2017): Games - 82, Won 54, Draws 15, Lost 13 Brentford (December 2013 - June 2015): Games - 78, Won 40, Draws 16, Lost 22.
Saturday - Nottingham Forest v Derby County
On Saturday the City Ground will host the much-loved East Midlands derby.
It's an almighty clash and as always we can expect a top class atmosphere.
The first game in charge for these men will be like no other!