Millwall boss Rowett gives verdict on Derby County’s struggles this season

Gary Rowett is surprised at Derby County’s struggles this season, as the Millwall manager gets ready to face his former club this weekend.

The South London club head to Pride Park tomorrow.

Derby are seven points clear of the Championship drop zone but 22nd-placed Rotherham United have three matches in hand on Wayne Rooney’s side.

Asked if he was surprised at County being one of the clubs battling to get clear of trouble, Rowett said: “I am a little bit when I look at their team, squad and size of club. You don’t expect Derby County to be down there, particularly after they finished quite strongly last season.

“They didn’t start very well this season and then of course there was all that uncertainty with a change of manager and a fluctuations in terms of potential ownership as well.

“But Wayne has taken the job permanently and if you look recently they have been really, really good. He has made them a little bit tougher than they previously were and has gone back to basics. Up until the last couple of games they looked like that had pulled away. But because all the teams are fighting for points and fighting for their lives it is difficult to get away from the bottom positions completely.

“They’ve lacked a bit of consistency but we’re playing a side who have been in pretty good form over the last 10-12 games. It will feel very different going to Pride Park without fans but still be a similar type of challenge.”