As expected Derby County issued a statement Monday morning confirming Paul Jewell had resigned as Derby County manager.

The following statement appeared on the club's official website:

"Derby County can confirm today that the club has parted company with manager Paul Jewell with immediate effect. Paul has taken the decision to leave his role as he believes it is in the best interests of the club, and feels that he is no longer in a position to take the club forward".

"It is with great regret that we accept this decision and Derby County would like to put on record its thanks to Paul Jewell for his effort and commitment over the last 12 months".

"Assistant manager Chris Hutchings will take charge of the club with immediate effect and will lead the team for the next two fixtures, away to Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup and at home to Manchester United in the Carling Cup semi-final."

After the announcement Adam Pearson was questioned by Skysports.com mainly to debunk bizarre rumours that have surfaced regarding an approach for Billy Davies to return as Number one.

"I think Billy's record at Championship level stands the test of time against anybody's. But we are looking at pastures new. I don't think Billy would want to consider himself for the role. I don't think you can go back in football. I think you have to go forward."

When questioned about Paul Jewell and whether he would have been sacked had he not resigned Pearson said:

"He certainly wouldn't have been pushed last night, we would have kept going. He is gutted about leaving. It is disappointing. I think Paul felt that it was probably in the best interest of everybody if the club went in a different direction and tried to get some fresh impetus in”.

"Paul has had the club's best interest at heart. It has been a long year and I think it has taken its toll. We just have to move forward without him. I do not regret giving him the job. We have enjoyed working together and he is a tremendous manager."

Whatever was happening behind the scenes it now clear that a majority of fans had lost faith in Paul Jewell and perhaps he himself came to the same conclusion, that he no longer was the man to take Derby County forward.

For the time being the man will be Hutchings and fans will be hoping as caretaker he can give the Rams every opportunity to take something from the position they find themselves in the Carling Cup and perhaps breath some life back into their league season while he is at it. When speaking to Skysports Adam Pearson believes the interim manager has something to offer:

"I would like him to be at the helm for as long as possible. If he can get results and performances then he obviously puts himself in the frame. If we do need other options then we can explore them properly. Hopefully Chris will be one of those options."

It is highly unlikely Hutchings would seriously be considered as a long term option but stranger things have happened in football. With owners who want the team back in the Premier League by 2010 it is unlikely anyone but an experienced manager with a proven track record will be entrusted with such a crucial job.

But as I have already said… stranger things have happened in football.

Photo: Action Images

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