Thursday 11 February 2016 12:00, UK
Derby have sacked manager Paul Clement and replaced him with Darren Wassall until the end of the season.
Clement, formerly assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, has been removed after less than nine months and with the Rams just five points off the top of the Championship.
Derby have not won in six matches, but chairman Mel Morris said the decision was not based on results but on Clement's failure to fulfil a brief outlined on his appointment.
"When Paul joined us last year, we worked with him to develop a plan for the club which we asked him to embrace," Morris told the club website.
"It was clear in this plan, which was briefed to supporters, players, sponsors and all our stakeholders last summer that promotion this season was not the primary target.
"The priorities were building on the Derby way and style of football enjoyed in the past two seasons; adding depth and strength to our playing squad; and, developing and improving player and team performance.
"Sadly, on these measurements, we have not made enough progress and that is why we have decided to part company with Paul."
Wassall, a former Derby defender now employed as academy director, will take training on Tuesday ahead of Saturday's home game against MK Dons.
Chief executive Sam Rush said: "We are in the fortunate position to have somebody as capable as Darren at our football club and he will be leading the coaching staff with immediate effect.
"Our focus is to get the team back on track, delivering the style of football and performance we know they are capable of. I know our fans will give Darren, the coaching staff and the team their full support."