Jewell 'ready for tough challenge'

New Derby manager Paul Jewell insisted he would not “wave the white flag” in the club’s battle with relegation – but accepts he faces one of the toughest challenges of his career.

Jewell, who left his job as Wigan manager after keeping them up on the final day of last season, was unveiled this morning as Billy Davies’ replacement and his first task is to get the Rams off the bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

However, despite the side’s perilous situation, Jewell insists a first-time return to the Coca-Cola Championship is not a foregone conclusion.

Asked if he could keep the side up this season, he told a press conference screened on Sky Sports News: “Absolutely. If I don’t believe it, if the players don’t believe it, if the fans don’t believe it we have no chance.

“It’s going to be very difficult but I’m not here to wave the white flag. We’re not adrift.”

Jewell has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Pride Park and insists although the appointment has been a speedy one he is ready to dig in for a long haul with the club following six months out of the game.