BLACKBURN have said they are “extremely disappointed” with manager John Eustace.
It comes after he activated a shock release clause in his contract to hold talks with an EFL rival.
GettyBlackburn Rovers have slammed manager John Eustace after he activated a release clause in his contract to allow him to speak to Derby[/caption]
GettyEustace played for Derby, who sacked manager Paul Warne on Friday, for two full seasons at the end of his career[/caption]
Eustace, 45, has been in charge of Rovers for a year, with the stunning news coming to light one year and one day following his original appointment.
The clause in his deal has allowed him to open negotiations over a possible move to Derby, where he played for two years.
A damning statement from the Championship promotion hopefuls said: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm that head coach John Eustace has requested permission to speak with another Championship club, following the activation of a clause in his contract.
“The club is extremely disappointed by John Eustace’s request to hold discussions with another club at such a crucial stage of the season, but this has now been reluctantly granted.
“With significant investment being made during the January transfer window, with six new additions, several of whom impressed during yesterday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Wolves, the board and ownership feel the club are in a good position to challenge for one of the play-off places this season.
“With the squad bolstered, key players returning from injury and Rovers currently in a strong position in the Championship, the club and players remain focused on achieving the best possible outcome this season.
“The club will make no further comment at this time.”
According to talkSPORT, Eustace has felt a lack of support from the Ewood Park outfit’s owners, prompting him to seek out a move away.
This has led him to Pride Park, where Eustace is reported to have already accepted the Derby job, although the Championship side is not named in the club statement.
The release clause in his contract is said to be valued between £500,000 and £700,000.
A win for Derby – who sacked Paul Warne on Friday – in their next match against Oxford United is likely to take them out of the relegation zone.
Eustace had insisted he was “happy” at Blackburn, but admitted he would need to speak to the owners if an official approach had been made.
He said: “I’ve heard rumours that there’s been an official approach, so that’s something I will have to discuss with the owners.
“I’ve been linked with other teams throughout the season so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Blackburn sit in sixth place in the Championship with a two-point cushion to dropping out of the play-offs.
A run of one win in their last five has threatened to derail their season.
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