Saturday 8 October 2016 23:47, UK
Chris Powell is the leading candidate to replace Nigel Pearson as Derby County manager, Sky sources understand.
The Rams confirmed on Saturday that Pearson had left the club by mutual consent and his assistant Powell, who has been in charge since Pearson was suspended on September 27, could be installed next week.
Powell - a former Derby player who managed Charlton and then Huddersfield - has led the team to a win over Cardiff and a draw with Reading while in temporary charge.
And a club statement, which confirmed Pearson's exit, said: "The board of Derby County will now turn their attention to appointing a new manager as soon as possible and expect to announce a successor in a timely fashion."
Former Leicester boss Pearson was suspended before the Cardiff game last month, with the club claiming they were investigating the 53-year-old over a number of disciplinary issues.
But the statement read: "As a result of the mutual termination of Nigel Pearson's employment agreement with Derby County any disciplinary process has now ceased.
"Derby County Football Club can today confirm that they have mutually agreed to part company with Nigel Pearson with immediate effect."
In a statement via the League Managers' Association, Pearson has denied he was made the subject of disciplinary action by what is now his former club
"Although I'm disappointed that my tenure at Derby County has come to an abrupt and premature end, I would like to take the opportunity to thank my colleagues who supported me during my short time at the club," he said.
"I was suspended by the club last week. The speculation in some areas of the media has not made the separation a smooth one, and my suspension period has been difficult for both myself and family.
"I can confirm that I have not been made the subject of any disciplinary action. I leave in the knowledge that I have, together with my closest staff, strived to achieve progress.
"I would like to wish the club and its supporters success moving forward."
