Paul Warne shows his true Derby County colours with David Clowes messages after sacking
Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive brings you what has been said as Pearce opened up on Warne’s exit in an interview
Derby County chief executive Stephen Pearce says he still has a “really good” relationship with Paul Warne but stressed sacking him earlier would have led them to missing out on John Eustace.
Speaking to BBC Derby, Pearce revisited Warne’s departure back in February when he was axed 24 hours before the team were due to face Norwich City.
Pearce was asked whether the decision could have been made on Monday which was transfer deadline day with the former Rams head coach subsequently going on to conduct pre-match press duties as normal.
Pearce has said previously that the decision was made given in light of Paul’s affinity for Norwich, the club he supports, and the fact that his family was due to be at Carrow Road.
But he revealed that he is still in regular contact with the former Rams head coach and says their relationship is on a great footing.
“On that Friday morning, we had that meeting, David and I, and made that decision,” he said.
“Whether people like or not or we can look back and go should we have done it earlier or not, is a different conversation.
“For us, the way that we did it, we believed was right, was humane and that was through care for Paul.
We still speak all the time. Before and after every game from that second half of the season, Paul was messaging David and I and the groups we are in – the relationships are great.
“It’s the same with Matt Hamshaw. I am really pleased they have got the opportunities they have. Paul looks like he has a great project on his hands at MK Dons and I wish him all the best of luck.
“They are great guys and we still have a really good relationship.”
Eustace was subsequently appointed Warne’s successor with the Rams forking out £500k in compensation to Blackburn in order to bring him to Pride Park.
Against all the odds, Eustace kept Derby in the Championship despite the club sitting seven points adrift of safety back in March.
Pearce said that taking the decision to axe Warne earlier would have meant potentially missing out on Eustace.
“Would we have liked to do it earlier? If we had to, yes, but all of the signs told us John would not have come if we’d done it earlier and we wouldn’t have got the same calibre of manager as we got in John Eustace,” said Pearce.
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