Premiership: McEwan handed reins at Pride Park

Derby reserve team manager Billy McEwan will take temporary charge of first team affairs after Colin Todd's sacking.

McEwan's reign begins with a crucial home game against fellow strugglers Ipswich on Saturday.

Todd was made assistant manager in October 2000 and when Jim Smith left a year later he took over the reins, but has been unable to turn things around.

"It was felt he should be given a chance as manager," said chief executive Keith Loring.

"However, since then we have lost 11 games of the 17 played. We are second-to-bottom in the league and a week ago were knocked out of the FA Cup by a struggling Third Division team. Clearly things have not improved.

"The board has not taken this decision lightly. As a player Colin Todd remains a Derby County legend and it was everyone's wish that he would be successful too as a manager."