Brown gets Derby job

Last updated : 24 June 2005 By Tony Scholes

Derby’s original target was Preston boss Billy Davies but the Deepdale board persuaded him to sign a new contract when it looked as though he could be on his way to Pride Park.

The next target was Gary Johnson and he looked almost certain to get the job when Yeovil gave Derby permission to speak to him. However earlier this week Johnson opted to pull out and that left the way clear for Phil Brown who came close to becoming our manager a year ago.

He was not only on the shortlist of those interviewed for the Burnley job, he was in the last two along with Steve Cotterill, but it was Steve who won the day in what was a close contest. It was Brown’s lack of experience as a number one that worked against him.

This time he is getting the opportunity to go out on his own and becomes the second member of Sam Allardyce’s team to leave the Reebok this week following the departure of first team coach Neil McDonald to Crystal Palace.

Brown has signed a three year deal with the Rams, who finished in fourth place in the Championship last season under George Burley’s management.