Derby County appoint Championship manager - will be in the dugout against Bristol Rovers next month

Derby County have appointed Paul Warne as their new head coach of the first-team, replacing Liam Rosenior after being appointed on a four-year contract.

The Rams announced the appointment of the Rotherham United manager on Thursday afternoon, bringing to an end Liam Rosenior’s time as interim boss.

Former Bristol City defender Rosenior was said to have been relieved of his duties yesterday and the Rams moved quickly to appoint Warne as his successor.

At the time of Rosenior’s departure, Derby had sat in seventh in the League One standings, outside of the play-offs on goal difference but a whole seven points off the automatic spots.

Rotherham meanwhile had started the season brightly and were eighth in the Championship and were just a point off the play-offs after a surprise start.

Derby, keen for an immediate return to the Championship, have sought a three-time promotion winner to get them back to English football’s second tier.

An agreement was made with Rotherham over a package to bring him to Pride Park and he along with several members of his coaching staff have moved down a division.

A statement from Derby County read: “As was made clear in the summer, the board intended to take a period of time evaluating every aspect of the club and having done that, we believe Paul’s track record of success at this level fits perfectly into our long-term strategy.

“He has won promotion three times from League One in almost 300 matches as a manager, as well as the Papa Johns Trophy last season, and his recent achievements with Rotherham United highlight his ability and experience, two factors which will be vital in this pivotal season for Derby County.”

Derby are not in league action this weekend after several international call-ups and so the new manager will manage against Cambridge United on Saturday, October 1.

His appointment will put him in the dugout for Bristol Rovers match with Derby at the end of October, which comes on Saturday, October 29.