Derby County re-appoint former boss McClaren

Former England manager Steve McClaren has been confirmed as Derby County’s new manager, just 17 months after he was sacked by the Championship club.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 55-year-old McClaren is returning to replace Nigel Pearson, who left by mutual consent on Saturday after less than five months.

Temporary boss Chris Powell will revert to his previous role as assistant manager.

“I regret how my time at Derby ended in 2015,’’ said McClaren, who has signed a deal until the end of next season.

“I am very motivated to put things right for the club and supporters.’’

McClaren left Derby in acrimonious circumstances in May 2015 following constant speculation linking him with the job at Newcastle United.

He subsequently joined the Magpies but was sacked in March 2016.

Derby president and chief executive Sam Rush said: “We enjoyed some fantastic and memorable moments under Steve during his previous tenure in charge.

“Steve’s arrival and subsequent work helped transform how we played our football.

“Steve’s time at Derby came to a premature end and I know he regrets that greatly.

“He values hugely his relationship with our supporters and I know that he will work very hard to ensure that the special connection returns.’’

Pearson, who replaced Paul Clement as boss, was originally suspended by the Championship side pending a club investigation into his “behaviour’’ following a heated exchange with owner Mel Morris.

First-team coach Kevin Phillips and goalkeeping coach Pascal Zuberbuhler will all remain part of the backroom team.

McClaren added: “I have a great affiliation with the club, having been here on three previous occasions, and I am really delighted at the prospect of finishing what we started.

“My ultimate aspiration remains exactly what it was before, to take Derby County back to the Premier League.

“This football club has fantastic ambition, brilliant supporters and wonderful backing from the chairman.’’

McClaren only spent two seasons in charge of the Rams after joining in September 2013, leading them to Championship play-off final defeat by QPR in his first campaign.

But Derby lost 3-0 at home to Reading on the final day of the following season, meaning they missed out on the play-offs after ending February top of the table.

NAN recalls that McClaren was sacked in the same month.(NAN)