Derby County’s head of fitness and performance has announced that he has left his role at the club ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
Dave Carolan rejoined the Rams last year after previously working for the club during the Gary Rowett era at Pride Park, but has now departed Pride Park and spoke of his exit in a statement on social media.
He explained: “So long, & Thank you Derby County Football Club. Almost a year ago I was invited, one again, to join Derby and to Lead the Performance Department.
“My previous tenure at the club with Gary Rowett meant I knew what a great place DCFC was; so head and heart were aligned. Clients and partners I had were completely understanding (which I was so thankful for)! Family were fully on-board so it was all systems go!
“With pre-season already underway I took on the challenge with the energy and enthusiasm which are the core of how I have conducted my career to date! Thus, aided by some excellent staff who were already in place, a group of players who relished the task in hand, and integrating into a new coaching/performance/medical staff (from my perspective) we set about our work.
“For any promoted side the challenges are difficult on multiple fronts, but in the first year there is one main aim – finish as high up the table as possible. And we got after it! We knew we had to give it our all and indeed, find more where we could.
“Not everything went smoothly, we had some difficult periods, yet we had many great outcomes. We pushed hard to get everything we could out of everyone who could contribute – players, chefs, operations, coach drivers, etc – all had to play their part! And they did…
“Ultimately, we reached our goal. ‘The Rams are staying up’ was the cry from the hoardes of passionate Rams Fans in the stands, as everyone left everything out there on the pitch!
“And with the mission accomplished, and having answered that urgent call 11 months ago, I now feel it is the right time to return to those projects I put on the backburner in early July 2024…
“Its time to continue with those new, exciting ventures (more on that to come later!) and build on my career experiences to date… and also help others who are perhaps earlier in theirs!
” I wish everyone at the club well for the future, continued success on the pitch and thank everyone at Pride Park and Moor Farm for their support! From top to bottom the club is filled with so many excellent people who are striving everyday to be the best they – & the club – can be.”
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