Manager Philip Cocu has offered some insight into the way both he and his coaching staff like to operate.


The Dutchman, who was appointed as Derby's new manager on Friday, has brought in Chris van der Weerden as his Assistant Manager whilst Twan Scheepers has been appointed as Specialist First Team Coach.

Cocu and his team have already been busy on the training pitches working with the players as they put their messages across in terms of what they will demand from them throughout the season.

Emphasis has been placed on an attractive style of play which will excite the Derby County supporters and Cocu explained how the three of them will work together.

“Chris van der Weerden is my assistant,” he told RamsTV. “He was my assistant at PSV from Under-19s through to the first team.

“He knows everything about me and my way of working and philosophy, so it’s extremely important to me to have him by my side to bring things over to other coaches, to players, to staff, to Academy, etc.

“Twan worked for many years in the youth academy of PSV, mainly with the Under-23s. He was the link-up between young players who go to the first team, go back and step up again.

“We worked many years together so he knows what I want, how I want it, and I think that is important.

“We have to do it all together with the staff already present, to work together as a team to achieve our goals. Twan and Chris will come to join me to help me with our mission.”


The players are already well into their training regime in Florida as they prepare for the new 2019/20 Sky Bet Championship season.

The manager is happy to have that time together to learn about his squad.

“That’s the best way to get to know each other, to stay 10 days close and train a lot,” Cocu said.

“We have the possibility to talk with the players individually, and as a team, and get to know the staff members. There are a lot of new faces so this is a good way to do it.”