Jewell - We'll be back

Rams boss plotting Premier League return

Last updated: 28th March 2008

derby paul jewell

Jewell: Forward thinking

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Derby's inevitable relegation from the Premier League could be confirmed against Fulham on Saturday and Paul Jewell is already planning the club's return to the top flight.

A defeat for the Rams at Pride Park and a win for either Birmingham or Bolton will seal Jewell's first relegation in football.

The former Wigan boss is still looking for his first league win since he replaced Billy Davies and knows that a Fulham team without an away victory all season gives him a good chance to break his duck.

"I've never had a relegation as a manager and it isn't pleasant," Jewell said.

"But I've had two promotions from the Championship so I know what it takes and I've never been more determined in my life to see a job through as I am with this one.

"I think Fulham will see this as a game they must win but they haven't got a great away record and we should take some confidence from that.

Convince

"Our only objective is to get past 16 points for the season but if we do go down against Fulham and come straight back next year, I will settle for that."

Jewell admits some of his squad members need to convince him that they are worth a place at the club next season - making no secret of the fact that there will be plenty more comings and goings before next term.

"From next season, there will be no grey areas," he said.

"This will be a vibrant place to come and work but, for me, there are too many grey areas at the moment.

"I want to make it black and white, just like the colours we play in."

The Rams boss also revealed his reasoning for allowing Scotland midfielder Stephen Pearson to join Stoke on loan until the end of the season.

Benefit

The move is another clear sign that the Derby manager is planning for next season's campaign.

"Stephen would not have gone if we had any chance of staying up," Jewell said.

"But any money we can save now will go towards helping us come straight back up.

"He's a decent player but I have to make these decisions for the long term benefit of this club.

"It's a good move for him and it's a good move for us financially. The money we save from him going out on loan will go into the pot to make us better next season.

"It will be ploughed into making a sustained Championship challenge."