McClaren returns to Derby helm

Steve McClaren has been appointed as Derby County’s new manager, 17 months after being sacked by the club.

Nigel Pearson departed as the boss by mutual consent last weekend after less than five months in charge.

Sky sources reported the 55-year-old McClaren was having positive discussions on Wednesday morning and in the afternoon the return of the former England boss was confirmed.

Chris Powell, who has been in temporary charge and played for McClaren when he was assistant to Jim Smith at Derby in the mid-1990s, has been named as assistant manager.

The first test on the pitch for the new management team will be welcoming Leeds United on October 15. The first time McClaren’s team will be seen live on Sky Sports will be their visit to Wolves on November 5.

“I am excited to be back at Derby County as the club’s manager,” McClaren told the club’s official website. 

“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 back in September 2013.

“I regret how my time at Derby ended back in 2015 and I am very motivated to put things right for the club and our supporters.

“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 Mel Morris. I am looking forward to working alongside Mel, as well as Sam Rush who initially …

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