Is Paul the Rams Jewell in the crown

The Rams supporters are just about getting over the shock decision of Derby County to Part Company with Billy Davies yesterday. Now they read in the press that Chairman Adam Pearson is hoping a long-standing friendship with Paul Jewell will persuade the former Wigan manager to end his self-imposed managerial exile and make a return as boss at Pride Park.

It`s reported that Pearson has installed Jewell as his first choice, but they have a short-list of candidates, which also includes MK Dons' Paul Ince and Watford's Adrian Boothroyd.
The former Leeds United director had Jewell lined up to be his manager during his recent attempt to buy back the Elland Road side and he hope he will have more success this time.

Jewell has resisted several offers of a return, including approaches from Leicester City and his former Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, who was ready to offer him £50,000 a week. Pearson, who hopes to make an appointment within the next two weeks, felt he had no alternative but to part with Davies yesterday morning.

This came less than 48 hours after his manager's outburst following Derby's 2-0 defeat by Chelsea.

Davies claimed that he had not spoken with Pearson for 'three weeks' and had not held any kind of planning meeting regarding a short-list of six players. His criticisms over the lack of investment resulted in a summons to a 9am meeting.

'This situation came to a head over the weekend,' Pearson said. 'I had a very positive conversation with Billy and we both decided that it is in the best interests of all parties that we call it a day, and I'd like to thank Billy for the magnificent work he has done in getting this club into the Premier League.

'Obviously I was surprised on Saturday night when it was suggested I had not spoken to Billy for three weeks because that is totally inaccurate. My last meeting with him was 10 or 12 days ago and was a formal meeting to ask for that list of players, and there have been subsequent phone calls between myself and Billy. It's hard to accept comments about lack of investment.'

Davies said: 'It has been an emotional time for me and I would like to thank the staff, players, the wonderful fans of Derby County and the board for what has been a very enjoyable time for me.

'There have been lots of ups and downs but in the main I'm proud of what has been achieved at the club and I walk away very much with my head held high.'

Academy manager Kevin Thelwell will prepare the team for Saturday's game with Sunderland and senior players Matt Oakley and Darren Moore will form part of a temporary coaching team.