Derby County confirm Nigel Pearson departure

Derby County have confirmed the departure of manager Nigel Pearson with immediate effect, nearly two weeks after he was suspended by the club.

The 53-year-old's future at the iPro Stadium has been in the balance for the past 11 days, having reportedly fallen out with Rams owner and chairman Mel Morris.

Assistant boss Chris Powell has since stood in for County, making a good impression on his employers by taking four points from successive away games against Cardiff City and Reading in the past fortnight.

No decision has been made on Pearson's successor, but Derby have announced this evening that the former Leicester City manager - who only joined the Rams during the summer following a year out of the game - will not be returning to his role after reaching a mutual agreement.

"As a result of the mutual termination of Nigel Pearson's employment agreement with Derby County any disciplinary process has now ceased," a club statement read.

"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."

Derby, who are currently just two points above the Championship relegation zone, have also been linked with moves for Gary Rowett and David Wagner in recent days.