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Derby County manager Gary Rowett has admitted the decision to sell Will Hughes to Watford was a difficult one. Hughes joined the Hornets on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £5 million rising to £9 million. There is also said to be a 15% sell-on fee. Speculation had been rife throughout the summer that the England Under-21 international would make the move from Pride Park – and it was confirmed on Saturday evening. He is the second Derby player to leave under Rowett's regime, following Abdoul Camara out, as the former Birmingham City boss starts to reshape his squad. "From a financial aspect we have for Financial Fair Play and things like that we have to adhere to," Rowett told RamsTV. "We're trying to restructure and rebuild around different factors. "We thought it was a sensible decision – a difficult decision – I can understand it's difficult for a lot of the fans, but like I've said before we have to make tough decisions to get to where we want to be. "I have to make sure every player here next year is thoroughly committed to what we're doing and it was an opportunity for Will and he certainly wanted to explore it." The Rams boss also spoke about the conversation he had with Hughes ahead of the move. "We had the enquiry (from Watford) and I spoke to Will," said Rowett. "You always try to gauge what a player is thinking and how a player feels about it. "Will said to me after two difficult seasons he really felt he needed a new challenge. "I don't suggest for one minute he doesn't feel the same way about the club, because he does. He's grown up here being a big part of it, but when you hear a player say that you have to be open-minded." http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/derby-county-manager-gary-rowett-on-will-hughes-move-to-watford/story-30408515-detail/story.html

Derby County manager Gary Rowett on Will Hughes' move to Watford Derby County manager Gary Rowett has admitted the decision to sell Will Hughes to Watford was a difficult one. Hughes joined the Hornets on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £5 million rising to £9 million. There is also said to be a 15% sell-on fee. Speculation had been rife throughout the summer that the England Under-21 international would make the move from Pride Park – and it was confirmed on Saturday evening. He is the second Derby player to leave under Rowett's regime, following Abdoul Camara out, as the former Birmingham City boss starts to reshape his squad. "From a financial aspect we have for Financial Fair Play and things like that we have to adhere to," Rowett told RamsTV. "We're trying to restructure and rebuild around different factors. "We thought it was a sensible decision – a difficult decision – I can understand it's difficult for a lot of the fans, but like I've said before we have to make tough decisions to get to where we want to be. "I have to make sure every player here next year is thoroughly committed to what we're doing and it was an opportunity for Will and he certainly wanted to explore it." The Rams boss also spoke about the conversation he had with Hughes ahead of the move. "We had the enquiry (from Watford) and I spoke to Will," said Rowett. "You always try to gauge what a player is thinking and how a player feels about it. "Will said to me after two difficult seasons he really felt he needed a new challenge. "I don't suggest for one minute he doesn't feel the same way about the club, because he does. He's grown up here being a big part of it, but when you hear a player say that you have to be open-minded." Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/derby-county-manager-gary-rowett-on-will-hughes-move-to-watford/story-30408515-detail/story.html#15fcEPEcYqXlHhek.99

How's Jeff Hendrick doing at you're place.

He is a Liverpool fan I think that's where that came from.

Far more likely FFP is a consideration in all of this to allow us to wheel and deal until we can offload a few others like we have with Camara etc

May have been wanted by Northcliffe or Littleover old boys in another era mate . Seriously Gary has made a bold move by selling Will Hughes with regards I suspect to FFP etc to fund a few incomings until we can offload a few others.

He's a good owner .

I was referring to if he has to backtrack on selling Hughes. He is going to get hammered on this if he plays a more pragmatic style of football which would be a complete contradiction on Steve McClarens style of play which was always trying to be on the front foot and building from the goalkeeper back to front. Rowett is more safety first and get the ball forward quicker. I'm not criticising McClaren just saying they have different management philosophies

Better than Ince !

Pearson reverted back from his favoured 4-4-2 back to 4-3-3 under pressure

Ince.

I agree. Mark my words if Rowett doesn't get it right the Hughes sale could be his nemesis

A few losses and they won't.

I believe Pearson had to change his philosophy and revert back to a 4-3-3 from 4-4-2 and Clement was told his football was too slow from back to front etc . McClaren was probably backed along with Clough on this forum more than the other two and Wassall and Powell didn't really do the job very long. Regarding Rowett I'm hearing on this forum criticism already and if Hughes goes if he doesn't do well right away like say Pearson didn't then he will come under big pressure. I wouldn't like to predict how It will go next season but I back Rowett. It's my belief Gary Rowett will be a very good Derby Manager with or without Will Hughes etc etc.

The premise of the question is will Rowett have to back down and compromise on his beliefs because certain Derby Fans don't like it. If you wish to disect it that's up to you but to me it's just a statement.