Caretaker boss Eric Black will not accept ongoing uncertainty over the vacant post at Blackburn as an excuse for a poor performance at Derby.
Black takes charge of his fourth Championship game since Steve Kean's resignation last month, having claimed only two points from the previous three.
Speculation has swirled around Ewood Park following the end of Kean's troubled tenure and, after admitting he possibly expected a new man to be at the helm by this stage, former Birmingham and Wigan coach Black insists his players are ignoring the rumour mill.
"I'm not using it as an excuse, I don't think the players should and I don't think they are to be honest," he said.
"I don't think I could put my hand on my heart and say 'that's the reason (for poor results)', I don't go along with that. They're professional footballers.
"Yes, there's a disruption at the club. Obviously I think everybody would be happier if whoever it's going to be was in place, but it's not an excuse not to perform and that's the way I'm going with it."
