View attachment 1018330
Derby Announce DoF
View attachment 182188
New Derby County owner, John Carlov, has today announced former Notts County, QPR, Deportivo la Coruna & Lazio manager, Manuel Pablo, as the promoted EPL sides Director of Football.
Carlov, who is yet to appear in public in the Uk, unveiled the Spaniard via teleconference stating that, due to his many "business interests" Manuel Pablo would also be acting as the clubs public face.
"I have known Manuel for many years now & have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead the club forward.
Unfortunately, due to previous business commitments, I will not be travelling to England to oversee the club's progress. However, I will be in constant communication with Manuel & together we hope to make this club great."
The pair worked together at Italian side Lazio, where the Spaniard lead the underdogs to the Serie A title (making one anonymous punter a very rich man in the process) before retiring from the world of management to run a small bar in his native Spain.
"When John came into the bar & explained the role to me, I couldn't refuse." Pablo began "Its a fantastic opportunity to once again be involved in the world of football without the added pressures of management."
Asked about his Lazio exit & the subsequent dismissal of now boss Carlov, amid embezzlement rumours, Pablo commented.
"It was all bullshit mate. I wont be commenting on it. John is an extremely successful business man with his grubby little fingers in a whole lot of pies. He doesn't need to steal."
"Can you explain what it is John actually does then Manuel?" One reporter asked.
"No." came the answer & the conference ended early.
Regardless of the rumours surrounding his new employer, Manuel Pablo was a successful manager who fought numerous relegation battles in his management career &, with Derby now looking to beat the drop themselves, his experience could prove invaluable in keeping the side in the EPL.
Exactly how the relationship between owner & DoF will work remains unseen, however life at Derby looks to be getting stranger by the day.