John Eustace's first victory as Derby County manager came in a highly charged encounter against Blackburn Rovers, marked by a memorable display of toy snakes by the visiting fans. Despite the symbolic protest, Eustace remained unfazed, focusing on the task at hand.

A Bitter Reunion More than 3,100 Blackburn Rovers fans made the trip to Pride Park, eager to confront their former manager. The toy snakes, waved by a section of the crowd, were a pointed reminder of their discontent over Eustace's recent departure. However, the Derby boss took it in stride, emphasizing his respect for the club he left behind.

A Game-Changing Performance Craig Forsyth opened the scoring for Derby just three minutes into the match, setting the tone for a spirited performance. Ebou Adams doubled the lead with a decisive goal, which ultimately sealed the victory. This win marked Derby's first since late December, lifting them off the bottom of the table and within striking distance of safety.

Eustace's Perspective In his post-match comments, Eustace downplayed the significance of the fan display. "I certainly wasn't insulted," he stated. "I have a lot of time and respect for Blackburn Rovers. My main focus is Derby County, and I wish Blackburn well in their promotion push."

Looking Ahead Eustace acknowledged the challenges ahead, including a growing injury list. Striker Lars-Jorgen Salvesen is out for the season following knee surgery, while Ben Osborn's hamstring injury may also keep him sidelined. Despite these setbacks, Eustace remains optimistic about Derby's survival prospects.

"My job is to keep Derby in the league and build the club in the right way over the next few years," he said. "We’ll take each game as it comes, starting with Coventry."

Praise for the Players Eustace lauded his team's effort and determination, particularly highlighting the contributions of Forsyth and Adams. "Fozzy at 36 was outstanding today," he remarked. "Ebou’s goal was fantastic, and he typifies what this group is all about."

This victory not only ended Derby's winless streak but also served as a statement of intent under Eustace’s leadership. With renewed confidence, the Rams look to build on this result as they fight for survival in the Championship.