Former Real Madrid assistant Paul Clement named new Derby County head coach

Derby County have appointed Paul Clement as their new head coach on a three-year contract.

Clement succeeds Steve McClaren, who was axed last week after the Rams failed to reach the Championship play-offs.

It is a first managerial role for the 43-year-old after spells across Europe as assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and, most recently, Real Madrid.

"I'm incredibly excited to be joining Derby County as Head Coach and I am looking forward to meeting the players and getting started," Clement told the club's official website.

"This is a massive club with fantastic facilities and a superb fan base who deserve success.

"Having spoken with (chief executive) Sam Rush and the owners I firmly believe we share the same desires and ambitions and that is to once again make Derby County a Premier League club."

Clement had also been linked with the Sunderland manager's position following the departure of Dick Advocaat, and Rush is pleased to have secured his services.

"Paul Clement is one of the most in-demand coaches in world football and I am delighted that he has agreed to join Derby County as our new Head Coach," Rush said.

"He is hugely respected, has exceptional relationships throughout football and tremendous coaching experience at some of the very best clubs in Europe.

"He is the perfect appointment at the next stage of Derby County's development and we are looking forward to the coming season with a great deal of optimism."