Mon Feb 08, 2016 11:55 pm
Derby owner Mel Morris added to his maverick reputation on Monday night by firing boss Paul Clement with the Rams five points off top spot in the Championship.
Candy Crush video-game millionaire Morris wielded the axe just five matches after charging into the dressing room to blast Clement and the squad following an insipid home draw with Reading.
Morris, 59, worth £400million, has promoted 47-year-old academy director Darren Wassall to take charge until May in a bold gamble.
Birmingham boss Gary Rowett and former Leicester manager Nigel Pearson are in the frame to take the job full time.
David Moyes was in the stands on Saturday as Derby, who have not won in the league since Boxing Day, were held 1-1 at Fulham.
But the Scot has distanced himself from the vacancy.
Morris says he sacked Clement for not getting his side to play “the Derby way” rather than overseeing a slide down the table.
This after Morris claimed in November that Clement, 44, had the chance to build a dynasty - like Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United - after hiring him in June.
Morris explained: “When Paul joined us last year we worked with him to develop a plan for the club which we asked him to embrace.
“Promotion this season was not the primary target.
“The priorities were building on the Derby way and style of football enjoyed in the past two seasons, adding depth and strength to our playing squad – and developing and improving player and team performance.
"Sadly, on these measurements, we have not made enough progress.”
Mirror Sport understands Derby face a potential fine next season from the Football League under financial fair play rules due to their wage bill if they do not go up.