Championship side Derby sack manager despite fifth place spot

On a day which has already seen struggling Rotherham sack their manager - it will come as a bigger surprise that fifth place Derby County have also done likewise.

Paul Clement has left the club with immediate effect and despite being in the play-offs, big spenders Derby County have not won in seven games and the Chairman read the riot act in the dressing room after a recent defeat to Reading. Clement was considered to be one of the best up and coming English coaches.

Clement, who replaced Steve McClaren at the iPro Stadium last June, was given sizeable funds to strengthen his squad during pre-season.

He twice broke the club's transfer record to sign Hull winger Thomas Ince for £4.75m and then Norwich midfielder Bradley Johnson for £6m.

The Rams started slowly, failing to win any of their first six matches in all competitions under Clement, but then went on an excellent run to force their way into contention for promotion.

But their latest poor run has seen them slip five points below second-placed Middlesbrough and only three points inside the top six.

Academy director Darren Wassall will take over for the rest of the season.
 

Jb