Gary Rowett 'needs time' at Derby, says Chris Powell

Gary Rowett "needs time" to make his mark as Derby County boss, says former Rams assistant Chris Powell.

Speaking on EFL Matters on Thursday night, Powell, who was at Pride Park last season under Nigel Pearson and Steve McClaren, said that while Rowett was under pressure to deliver, he was sure that the young English manager would be given just that.

"I think they're trying to work their way [into it]," said Powell. "There are a lot of new players and key players such as Tom Ince and Will Hughes have moved on.

"You're under pressure at Derby. The fanbase and following is second to none, but they want you to deliver. They've been close a couple of times, obviously losing in the play-offs recently, but now they've got a good young manager who needs time to stamp his own mark on it.

"I'm sure that Mel Morris, the owner, who has pumped a lot of money in [will give him that].

"They're one of the biggest clubs in the Championship for sure, but you have to back that up with doing it on the pitch week in, week out. We've seen plenty of sides, like Aston Villa last year, that the expectation is so big that it can engulf you.

"There are so many sides with similar aspirations and it's really difficult. I'm sure that Gary, with moving a few out and bringing in the likes of Tom Lawrence and Sam Winnall, will be looking to fashion a new style at Derby and he'll get to where he wants to go."