Derby County have confirmed the appointment of Paul Jewell as their new manager.

The Premier League's bottom club parted company with Billy Davies earlier this week.

They have now brought in Jewell - who has been out of football since quitting Wigan at the end of last season.

Jewell, who has penned a three-and-half-year deal at Pride Park, is excited by the challenge helping them avoid a quick return to the Championship.

"I've taken time out of football to reflect on how I can get better and to try and improve myself as a manager," said Jewell.

"I've had a few opportunities but Derby is the one that excites me.

"It's a fantastic club with great facilities. All is not lost and I'm here for the long term.

"I'm absolutely delighted and excited to be here.

"The first time I spoke to the chairman was yesterday and I was very impressed by him.

"It happened very quickly and I am absolutely delighted and excited to be here and excited by the challenge.

"Derby has got fantastic history and fanbase. The support is immense so many boxes it ticked for me

"It is a job that really excited me and I cannot wait to get started."

Safety

Asked if he could keep the side up this season, despite sitting four points adrift of safety, Jewell said: "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 refused to be drawn on who he would be bringing in as his backroom team, but is hopeful of sorting it out in the next 24 hours.

"The backroom staff I will put in place gradually as we go along as I have not had time to sort backroom staff.

"I am not going to say names at minute as it would be unfair on people who do not know I am looking to employ them."

Jewell's first game in charge will be against Sunderland this weekend and he is ready for the challenge.

"I start work tomorrow morning and I can't wait to get going. "I look forward to getting on the training pitch again

"It does not get any bigger than next game, it is a six-pointer if you like.

"It is a massive challenge and it is going to be very difficult as there is no easy games in the Premier League."