Skip to content

Derby ready to pick a successor to sacked manager Steve McClaren quickly

Paul Clement
Image: Paul Clement: Favourite to become Derby boss

Derby are keen to make a swift managerial appointment having sacked Steve McClaren on Monday.

The former England boss paid the penalty for his failure to guide the Rams into the Championship play-offs and was shown the door after managing just two wins in the final 13 games of the season.

Real Madrid assistant manager Paul Clement has emerged as the favourite to take the job at iPro Stadium, and chief executive Sam Rush admitted the club will make their decision sooner rather than later.

Rush told the club's official website: "We have been working with Steve in the past few days regarding his departure.

"We will work very quickly to draw up a shortlist, which is one I don't expect to be particularly long. We have already had contact from a number of individuals that believe they can take Derby County forward.

"We will whittle the shortlist down as quickly as we can but it is important to say that we will not be rushed into a decision.

We have taken our time in relation to Steve McClaren and we will do so with regards to a new appointment as well, but we are also aware that there is the need for a timely decision.
Sam Rush on Steve McClaren

"We have taken our time in relation to Steve McClaren and we will do so with regards to a new appointment as well, but we are also aware that there is the need for a timely decision.

"The ending to the season was a significant shock to us all. At the beginning of March we were top of the league, so inside 60 days to be in eighth place that was certainly a surprise to us all.

"The spell of six games in 20 days during March was the time that really did it for us in terms of the league table.

"Performances were not the only reason that the decision has been made as well and there are a variety of reasons why we have reached the decision.

"The ownership group invests a large sum of money into this football club; around £10-20m per year.

"We need to make sure that from top to bottom everyone is pulling in the same direction as we aim to achieve Premier League status."

Around Sky