Derby sack Clement

Derby County have sacked Paul Clement after eight months in charge.

A Derby statement stated that under Clement the team had failed to build ‘on the Derby way and style of football’, underlining their stance that Clement was not sacked based on their league position.

The Rams sit just five points off the top of the Championship table, yet have failed to win in their last seven league games, falling to a heavy 4-1 defeat to promotion rivals Burnley in the process.

“When Paul joined us last year, we worked with him to develop a plan for the club which we asked him to embrace,” chairman-owner Mel Morris told dcfc.co.uk.

Morris continued: “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.”

Rams’ Academy director Darren Wassall has replaced the former Real Madrid assistant manager for the duration of the season and will take charge of his first training session on Tuesday.

Derby chief executive Sam Rush said of Wassall, a former Rams player: “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.”