Steve McClaren appointed Derby County head coach

Derby County have confirmed the appointment of Steve McClaren as their new head coach.

The 52-year-old ex-England manager has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Championship club.

Former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele and Paul Simpson have been named as part of McClaren's backroom staff.

Derby had been without a manager following the sacking of Nigel Clough on Saturday night.

Pictured here is #dcfc's new Management Team, alongside President & Chief Executive Sam Rush at Pride Park Stadium: pic.twitter.com/g6nlvNc1Uu

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) September 30, 2013

McClaren spent three years as a player with Derby before returning to the club in the 1990s as assistant to Jim Smith.

He will watch Tuesday's Championship encounter at home to Ipswich Town from the stands before taking charge for the first time on Saturday against Leeds United.