Derby County Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Phillip Cocu as the club’s new manager.
Former Dutch international midfielder Cocu, 48, has penned a four-year contract to take charge of the Rams.
He will be joined at Pride Park Stadium by Chris van der Weerden, who has taken up the position of Assistant Manager and Twan Scheepers, who has been appointed as Specialist First Team Coach. Shay Given, Derby’s Head Goalkeeping Coach, will remain as part of the new-look coaching team.
Derby’s new coaching staff have joined the first-team squad in Florida for a 10-day training camp with two friendly matches also scheduled.
Cocu’s long and distinguished playing career saw him achieve 800 club appearances and four league titles, including La Liga during his time with Barcelona, establishing himself as a world class player and a great leader both on and off the pitch. His career also included spells with AZ Alkmaar, Vitesse Arnhem and his hometown club PSV Eindhoven on two occasions, in addition to Al Jazira in the UAE.
After his hugely impressive playing career, which included representing Holland on more than 100 occasions, Cocu chose to start his career as a coach. He guided PSV Eindhoven to three Dutch league titles during five full seasons in charge between 2013 and 2018.
During his time at PSV, Cocu’s team delivered exciting and highly successful football, whilst also demonstrating a strong ability to develop players; experience and qualities which make him an excellent choice to fulfil Derby’s vacant managerial position.
Commenting on his appointment, Cocu said: “I am pleased and honoured to confirm that Derby County will be my new club and can’t wait to meet with the team and the fans to start this adventure together.”
Derby County’s Executive Chairman, Mel Morris CBE, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Phillip Cocu as our new manager.
“We are continuing to develop our philosophy at Derby County and from the first conversation with Phillip, and his team, it was very clear they share similar views.
“The fit is strong. We want to build on the momentum that we have in our style of play, our club values, and the increasingly important role of our Academy. Phillip and his team understand the need and benefits of this approach.
“We had very specific criteria for identifying a new manager.
- Style of football
- Managerial success at a high level
- Developing and improving both young and experienced players
- Distinguished playing career
- Building player value
- Similar philosophy and values as Derby County
- Experience and desire to harness data analytics and sports science
“Phillip has an excellent track record of achievement in his managerial career with a proven ability to develop players to drive both tangible success and value. We are looking forward to Phillip leading us into the new season.”
Cocu’s latest chapter sees him become Derby’s first-ever foreign manager – and his first competitive fixture in the dug-out will be the season-opener at Huddersfield Town on Monday 5th August 2019 (7:45pm kick-off).
A Press Conference will be staged to introduce Phillip Cocu to the media once Derby’s squad return from their Training Camp in Florida later this month.
