Steve McClaren sacked by Derby County

Derby County have announced that they have terminated the contract of manager Steve McClaren with immediate effect.

The former England manager, who joined the Championship side in September 2013, still had two years of his contract with Derby remaining but had come under pressure after Derby failed to reach playoffs despite spending most of the season in the top six of the Championship.

Derby County have terminated the contract of head coach Steve McClaren with immediate effect,” read a statement on the club’s website.

“The decision follows a thorough review of the 2014/15 season by the club’s Board of Directors.

“The Board believes that the appointment of a new head coach is required to continue the club’s on-field progress and the search is now underway to appoint a successor.

"The Board remains firmly committed and driven to achieving promotion to the Premier League. The club would also like to take this opportunity to wish Steve McClaren well for the future and thank him for his work throughout his tenure, which included a Play-Off Final appearance in 2014."