Derby County news: New Zealand manager Anthony Hudson in the reckoning to be the new Rams boss
Young coach among the contenders to replace Nigel Pearson at Championship side
DERBY COUNTY’s search for a new manager could be about to head Down Under after New Zealand boss Anthony Hudson emerged as a contender to replace Nigel Pearson.
The 35-year-old English coach is on the Rams’ shortlist as they prepare to bring in a new man.
Pearson was suspended by the club last week and his assistant Chris Powell has managed the team for the last two matches.
Despite his relatively young age, Hudson has already gathered a range of experience and has had a taste of English football.
He began his coaching career in the US, taking charge of Real Maryland when aged only 27.
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After an impressive job there, he left the States for the Premier League to join Harry Redknapp at Tottenham.
Following a year at White Hart Lane, and after a personal recommendation from Redknapp, Hudson was appointed manager of Newport Country.
Things did not last long in Wales, however, and he was sacked just three months into the role – leading to him embarking on his journey into international football.
Hudson became manager of Bahrain’s Under-23 side, and after enjoying success with them, he was promoted to the senior team’s boss.
He led them to a highest-ever finish at the West Asian Championship as they won bronze.
His achievements caught the eye of football chiefs in New Zealand and he headed Down Under to take charge of their national side in 2014.
He has overseen a dramatic top-to-bottom overhaul of the team, implementing changes across all age groups from U17 to the senior team, during his two years in charge.
Hudson decided that he would manage the nation’s U23 side too, winning every game without conceding a goal in their Olympic qualifying group.
This success carried over into the senior side, with the All Whites winning the OFC Nations Cup this year to qualify for next summer’s Confederation Cup in Russia.
Hudson has also spent time working with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte as he tries to gain as much experience as possible.
Caretaker boss Powell still appears to be the favourite to land the job on a permanent basis once Pearson leaves his position.
But Derby chiefs have been impressed by Hudson’s achievements and could be tempted to give the coach his big break in England.
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