Derby County are due to start the official interview process for Phillip Cocu's replacement, according to journalist Alan Nixon. 

After a dismal start to the season, the Dutchman left Pride Park on the 15th of November and Wayne Rooney has been leading the interim coaching team in charge of the senior squad since.

Sheikh Khaled's £60 million takeover expected to be completed imminently and you feel the appointment of a new manager will likely swiftly follow.

It seems a decision has not been made yet, however, as Nixon has reported that the official interview process for the new manager is due to start.

It is understood that the takeover was meant to be completed yesterday and Nixon noted that it is "all a bit chaotic".

Reports yesterday suggested that Aston Villa assistant coach John Terry was among the frontrunners for the Derby job, while Eddie Howe and Sam Allardyce are among the other names linked.

Rooney and first-team coach Liam Rosenior have both indicated they'd be interested in taking the job permanently but as the side is yet to win since Cocu's exit, it would be a surprise to see either of them appointed.

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The Verdict

This update may frustrate Derby fans.

It's been more than a fortnight since Cocu left the club and official interviews are only just due to start, which suggests an appointment isn't imminent.

The takeover has clearly stalled the decision but with the Rams bottom of the Championship and drifting further from safety, the new boss needs to be brought in sooner rather than later.