Paul Jewell faces big challenge at struggling Derby

Struggling Derby County named Paul Jewell as their manager yesterday following the departure of Billy Davies.

The club, bottom of the Premier League with only six points from 14 games, presented Jewell at a news conference at their Pride Park ground and said he had signed a 31/2-year contract.

Jewell, 43, resigned as Wigan Athletic manager in May after securing their Premier League survival on the last day of last season.

Davies left on Monday, along with nine of the backroom staff, after 18 months in charge.

Derby have conceded 33 goals and scored only five in the league this season, with none since September.

Jewell's first game in charge will be at Sunderland on Sunday.

"I think we can move forward, I know we have a struggle at the moment but all is not lost," he told the news conference.

"Every challenge is big but this is one that really excites me.

"It's going to be very, very difficult - I'm a realist.

"But I'm not here to raise the white flag with 20-odd games to go. It's going to be difficult but we're not adrift.

"I'm sure the players will be disappointed with their points tally at the moment but we've got to work together and try to get out of the mess."

Jewell said he had spoken to club chairman Adam Pearson for the first time on Tuesday and the deal was concluded soon afterwards.

He also said there had been no health reasons behind his decision to leave Wigan.

"I just wanted a rest," said Jewell.

"I've enjoyed my time, I'm re-freshed and hopefully I can come back as a better manager."

Former England captain Paul Ince had also been in contention for the job at Derby County.

However, League Two (fourth division) Milton Keynes Dons said in a statement yesterday that they had rejected an approach from Derby to speak to their manager.