Had things gone a little differently, Gary Rowett could be managing Stoke City in the Premier League now.
Judging by his antics in the climactic fixture of Sky Sports' 'Rivalry Weekend', the Derby County manager could really have livened things up.
Taking on Nottingham Forest in today's East Midlands derby, Rowett, formerly of Birmingham City and Burton Albion, demonstrated his frustration with what will go down as two points lost in their promotion chase.
Rowett was not shy in sharing disappointment with both the referee and Forest's Lee Tomlin.
‘The reality is I hate this place and you’re a bellend, Mr Referee.’ #dcfc pic.twitter.com/hYjzVrfYMS
— Steve Bloomer's Washing (@SteveBloomerPod) March 11, 2018
It was an opinion he wasn't shy sharing with the fourth official either.
Not a lip reader but pretty sure that’s “it’s not your fault but he is a fucking shithouse referee”. 😂. Pushing fat Lee Tomlin is a bonus too. Got to love GR #dcfc #dcfcfans pic.twitter.com/9EYT5SH6xw
— Matt Collings (@matt2349) March 11, 2018
On the receiving end of some strange abuse from the opposition Forest fans all afternoon, they attempted to berate Rowett on his choice of footwear.
Banter between the Forest fans and Gary Rowett ... fans singing: 'Gary Rowett your trainers are ****'
— Steve Nicholson (@SNicholsonDT) March 11, 2018
Speaking of the incident after the match, Rowett had his own assessment of his 'style' however:
All I would say about the trainer shout is, look, when this level of fashion hits Nottingham in about six months, you’ll probably see 25,000 people walking around Nottingham with these type of trainers on!
Until someone opens a door to this type of style then unfortunately you’ll have to make do with wellies.
This followed his own unique handling of the situation on the pitch.
Gary Rowett:
Runs on the pitch..
Starts on Lee Tomlin and Ben Watson..
Tells the press it's Forest's last big game of the season..
Gives the Forest fans the two fingers..
Build a statue, build it now.. pic.twitter.com/6CJ5le4hbV— Ryan O'Meara (@_omeara_r) March 11, 2018
