Thursday 29 September 2016 17:57, UK
Derby County assistant manager Chris Powell insists he is not contemplating the prospect of taking over from Nigel Pearson on a permanent basis as he prepares for Saturday’s game against Reading.
Pearson has been suspended, pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing, following a major falling out with the club's owner and chairman Mel Morris.
According to Sky sources, Pearson looks set to part company with Derby and Powell took charge of the Rams for their 2-0 Sky Bet Championship win at Cardiff City on Tuesday evening.
Powell admits the situation is far from ideal given his close relationship with Pearson but says he is focused on preparing the team for their trip to Deepdale this weekend.
"He is someone who is a friend and a mentor but of course now football is football and we have to move on," Powell said. "That is exactly what I and everyone else has to do.
"It is a strange situation but it is a situation I will meet head on. We understand things change and develop in football and there is a due process going on.
"Nigel is suspended so all I can think about is the squad of players and caring for them. I am not even thinking about my own situation. It is about them, about the team and it is about Saturday."
When asked if he would be interested in taking over from Pearson, Powell said: "It's something I wouldn't even contemplate thinking about."
"We will see where things lead but the main thing is making sure the club is moving forward in a positive way."
