Wayne Rooney has taken his first steps into management at Derby after the Championship's bottom club sacked Phillip Cocu.
But the former England captain does not meet the club's criteria as a permanent manager amd so has been put in interim charge for Saturday's game against Bristol City, alongside fellow coaches Justin Walker, Shay Given and Liam Rosenior.
Derby want a successor who has experience of getting a team promoted from the Championship, can develop young talent and is available now rather than managing in a current job.
Former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is one of four contenders understood to be on a provisional shortlist.
Others are Roberto Di Matteo, formerly of Chelsea and West Brom, ex-Reading boss Brian McDermott, and Nigel Adkins, who managed Southampton.
England's record goalscorer Rooney, currently in his second season at Pride Park as a player-coach, released a statement that said: “I am sorry that Phillip and his staff have left the club. I want to thank him personally for all his help and encouragement as part of his coaching staff.
“The most important thing now is to stabilise the club and start moving up the table.
“I've been asked to be part of the coaching staff to help the team's preparation for next Saturday's vital match against Bristol City.
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“The coaches and I will speak with the players on Monday.'
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
