Derby County sack head coach Paul Clement

Clement, whose Derby side led the Championship at Christmas, has paid the price for a run of results that saw them go seven league games without a win.

Derby chairman Mel Morris said in a statement that the former assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain "did not make enough progress" in his short time at the club.

“We are grateful for the contribution Paul has made to the football club but the time is right to make a change," wrote Morris.

“When Paul joined us last year we worked with him to develop a plan for the club which we asked him to embrace.

“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.

“I firmly believe that we have one of the very best first team squads in this league. Our players are highly talented professionals who are more than capable of winning games at this level and beyond.

Derby are in fifth place in the Championship, five points behind leaders Hull, and have appointed Darren Wassall as interim coach until the end of the season.