Rav-ing mad Rams

Ravanelli has had no managerial experience

BBC Sport Online chief football writer Phil McNulty questions the wisdom of the theory that Fabrizio Ravanelli should be appointed Derby manager following the sacking of Colin Todd.

Derby County are seeking a route away from possible relegation and a way to refurbish a reputation wrecked by FA Cup defeat against lowly Bristol Rovers.

They have sacked Colin Todd and Fabrizio Ravanelli is being touted as his replacement.

It may guarantee Derby a few more pleasing headlines than they have enjoyed recently - but it would be an appointment based on the logic of football's madhouse.

The idea that Ravanelli, with no experience as a manager or coach, will come in and act as an immediate cure-all and saviour is surely nonsense.

Ravanelli would be the ultimate gimmick appointment - a designer manager.

A man who would look like a manager, sound like a manager, but would not necessarily make a manager.

Platt slumped at Sampdoria

Or in his case, if the rumours are right, he would be a designer caretaker player-manager.

Derby County are in enough trouble as it is without handing the reins to a managerial rookie who would also have to carry the not inconsiderable weight of scoring the goals to assure Premiership safety.

And that is even before you start to pick away at Ravanelli's chequered reputation and his less than long service record at recent clubs.

Ravanelli has been a revelation as a player at Derby this season, a shining light in almost unremitting gloom around Pride Park.

He has a reputation as a model professional forged at Juventus and on the international stage with Italy.

This does not, however, mean he is suited in any way to the task of plotting a survival battle in the Premiership.

It would be sheer footballing folly - an appointment that had no basis whatsover in common sense.

It would stand as much chance of success as a similar appointment in his homeland, when David Platt was plucked from England to take charge at Sampdoria.

Ravanelli will no doubt have the respect of his Derby team-mates because his playing track record deserves that.

But it is always a delicate line to cross between the dressing room and the manager's office - and even more so when you have a foot in both camps.

If the speculation is true, Derby's board may see the appointment of Ravanelli as a bold move rich in imagination.

In reality, it would be a crazy gimmick rich in relegation possibilities.