DERBY County are set to appoint their new manager this week and have thanked Joe Royle for his input.The former Blues boss was among a select group of respected figures from within the game asked for advice by the consortium that has now taken over at Pride Park.

By Derek Davis

DERBY County are set to appoint their new manager this week and have thanked Joe Royle for his input.

The former Blues boss was among a select group of respected figures from within the game asked for advice by the consortium that has now taken over at Pride Park.

Rams legends Roy McFarland and Archie Gemmill, along with Royle and ex-England boss Graham Taylor, gave their thoughts on the type of man deemed suitable for the post. Leading supporters of the club and respected journalists close to Derby County, were also asked.

County's new owners are closing in on their man and managing director Mike Horton, an old friend of Royle, has praised the help given.

He said: “I always planned to ask many different people for advice - people who know far more about football than I do.

“Appointing a manager is a crucial decision and we aim to make sure that we get it right.

“I'm a Derby County supporter and administrator but I wanted to know the thoughts of the professionals so we sought the advice of respected figures within the game.

“I have known Joe Royle and Graham Taylor for some time and they have been helpful in our search for a new manager.”

Phil Parkinson, Mike Newell, Martin O'Neill and Mick McCarthy have been among the top targets, while Iain Dowie joined the list when his departure from Crystal Palace became known.

Royle has said he will be seeking new employment after his summer break but was never in the running for the Derby job.

Royle has now been linked with a return to the north-west and is understood to be in the thoughts of the Preston board should they need to replace Billy Davies, who was yesterday interviewed by Charlton.

As expected, Iain Dowie left Crystal Palace last night and the vacancy at Selhurst Park makes it potentially five Championship clubs seeking new managers.

Ipswich, Derby, Sunderland, Palace and, if Davies goes to Charlton, Preston.