Eric Steele has backed reports linking Steve McClaren with the vacant Derby County manager's job.

The Rams are searching for a new boss after taking the decision to sack Phillip Cocu from his position on Sunday evening.

Since then the rumour mill has been going into overdrive regarding his replacement.

Several names have been linked with the role including the likes of current player-coach Wayne Rooney.

The England legend looks set to take charge of the club this weekend, but some aren't convinced by his level of experience.

Given that he's managed the Rams twice before there's no doubting McClaren's credentials, and according to former coach Steele, he deserves to be in contention.

Speaking on BBC Sportscene Podcast, Steele said: “I can see the argument.

"He’s got the best win percentage over the last six/seven years of all the managers.

“Bearing in mind, if you look at what he did spend, it wasn’t a great deal, it was done very much with loan signings – [Patrick] Bamford, [Andre] Wisdom, [George] Thorne.

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“[He’s] one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with but inevitably, everybody will say, ‘how many times do you come back? Is it the right move?’

“Inevitably, he’s going to be linked because people will remember the style.

"People still stop me now and say, ‘can you remember them games when we beat Leeds at home 3-0, we beat Forest 5-0, they remember the football that was played when we had [Jeff] Hendrick bombing forward and [Craig] Bryson.

“It’s understandable and I can see why, but then the question would be ‘Do you come back for a third time?’”

The Verdict

Steve McClaren would certainly be a decent shout for the role.

Given his knowledge and experience in the Championship it's hard to doubt his credentials.

Whether he's a genuine contender remains to be seen, but I'm sure many supporters would back him for the job.