Gary Rowett has asked Derby County for permission to speak to Stoke City regarding their vacant manager’s position.
Rowett is highly regarded at Stoke and was a strong contender for the manager’s job four months ago, after Mark Hughes was sacked. Stoke, however, were left frustrated on that occasion and turned to Paul Lambert, who was unable to steer the club away from relegation, winning only two of his 15 matches, which prompted the Stoke board to let him leave on Friday.
Stoke are determined to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking and Rowett, who knows the Championship well, could be trusted with the task of delivering promotion. The 44-year-old impressed during his time as Birmingham City manager and he led Derby County into the play-offs this season.
He signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with the club in January but is now keen to move away from the iPro Stadium.
“Derby County can confirm that Gary Rowett has asked for permission to speak with Stoke City regarding the vacant manager’s position at the bet365 Stadium,” read a Derby statement. “The club is now in discussion with Stoke and will update our supporters in due course.”
Stoke would have to pay sizeable compensation for Rowett, who started his managerial career with Burton Albion, and it remains to be seen how hard Derby would try to keep him.
