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Derby call halt to Clement experiment

Paul Clement, pictured on February 28, 2013, was sacked after Derby's spluttering form left them in danger of dropping out of the race for promotion to the Premier League

Former Chelsea assistant Paul Clement has been sacked as Derby manager after just eight months in charge, the Championship club announced on Monday. Clement was only appointed to the role last year after earning rave reviews during his spells as assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain. But the 44-year-old was relieved of his duties, with academy director Darren Wassall taking over until the end of the season, after Derby's spluttering form left them in danger of dropping out of the race for promotion to the Premier League. The Rams are without a win in their last seven league games and lie fifth in the second tier table, five points behind leaders Hull after being top themselves on Boxing Day. "We are grateful for the contribution Paul has made to the football club, but the time is right to make a change," Derby chairman Mel Morris said. "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."