The man who handed Gary Rowett his first break in senior management has told the Nottingham Forest edition of The Ram that he always felt the Derby County boss had all the attributes to make a top manager.


Paul Peschisolido appointed Rowett as his assistant manager after becoming Burton Albion’s boss in May 2009.

They worked together for just under three years at the Pirelli Stadium and during that time, it was clear to the Canadian, a former Rams forward between 2004 and 2007, that the current Derby boss was ‘too good to be a number two’.

Peschisolido said: “It’s great to see Gary there (as Derby manager). He was my number two at Burton Albion and I knew then that he was special.

“He was too good to be a number two if I am being honest. His knowledge of the game really stood out and he’s a very intellectual lad, who is constantly trying to better himself.

“His training sessions were, and I’m sure still are, fabulous; the tempo is great, but he keeps them light-hearted.

“Gary has also got a very good way with players. Too often you will hear that someone is a great coach, but maybe lacks man-management, but Gary has both.

“Players love him and he ticks every box for me for what a good manager should have. Tactically and technically, he is very aware.”

As a manager, it is well documented that Rowett has enjoyed plenty of success.

He guided a Burton side battling against relegation to the Vanarama National League to the Sky Bet League 2 Play-Off Final in just two years and reversed Birmingham City’s struggling fortunes before becoming the Derby boss in March of this year.

Rowett is now into the seventh month of his time in the dugout at Pride Park Stadium and Peschisolido is in no doubt that he is the right man to guide the club forward.

He added: “It was always going to take him a bit of time to settle into the job and get his ideas across, but, for me, he is the right man for Derby without a shadow of a doubt.

“I’m sure he will get the club back in the Premier League at some stage.

“I still speak to him and drop him a text from game-to-game. He’s someone I consider a good friend and certainly wish him all the best.”