BARMY, ridiculous, incredible! Whatever word you use to describe the events at Derby County over the last few days, none come anywhere near to summing up the ludicrous situation which currently exists at Pride Park.

For when it comes to shooting themselves in the foot, Derby's directors are proving deadlier than John Wayne and Clint Eastwood all rolled into one.

Let's get one thing straight, I have to admit I raised an eyebrow when they chose to axe Jim Smith in favour of his erstwhile assistant Colin Todd three months ago.

But to fire Todd as well, only 90 days after his appointment, is a decision which guarantees only one thing -- relegation!

So forget Mad Cow Disease, Lionel Pickering and his board seem to have contracted a worrying case of Mad Rams Disease.

Todd, for all his failings, at least appeared to still have the backing of the players, as proved by their expressions of shock and sadness at his hasty departure over the last couple of days.

And that ingredient, more than any other, would have been vital to their survival chances over the remainder of the season.

Now, whoever they appoint, will seem like a traitor in the dressing room and it could take weeks before he wins the respect of the players -- time the club simply have not got!

And if they do decide to appoint Fabrizio Ravanelli, which looks increasingly unlikely, then Derby fans might as well start looking for Grimsby and Crewe on their maps now.

Carlton Palmer looks more suited to management than the 'The White Feather' and whenever I see his name linked with the Derby post, two words spring instantly to mind -- Attillo Lombardo.

But what has all this got to do with Blackburn Rovers, I hear you ask?

Well, with Leicester now all but doomed, I think you can also write off Derby, too, which means the pressure at the bottom is starting to ease.

After Saturday's display against Charlton, Rovers possess far too much quality to get sucked into a dog-fight, especially with Andy Cole now on board.

But the sooner three clubs at the bottom get cut adrift, the better it will be for everyone of a nervous disposition.

So keep up the good work, Mr Pickering!