Inclement Conditions Settle As Rams Bring In Clement To Steady Ship
Monday, 1st Jun 2015 13:46 by Daniel J Sewart

The Rams have finally secured the signature of Paul Clement as their new head coach, reportedly heading off interest by Sunderland for his services.

It was the worst kept secret, if it ever was meant to be one, that Clement was heading to DCFC. Reports were circulating well before McClaren was led to the gallows following a poor end to the season, and failing to convince those who count he was 100% committed to the Rams cause.

So now that Derby has their man — who exactly is Paul Clement?

Well… up until the end of the season Clement was Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant at Real Madrid, where they won last seasons Champions League, that was until the Spanish giants dropped the axe on their highly regarded coach after he failed to win the La Liga title (only just.... 2 points!!).

Clement has vast experience having also been Ancelotti’s right hand man at Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain while also having stints as Chelsea's Academy coach and Blackburn's assistant head coach for a short time.

And he has more hair than Steve... but only just... and even then life at Derby may help change that!

It is encouraging he has experience at the very highest level of football in and outside of the English game, while no doubt having made some impressive contacts on his travels.

The official site delivered Clement’s first statement as head coach to the fans:

"I'm incredibly excited to be joining Derby County as Head Coach and I am looking forward to meeting the players and getting started. This is a massive club with fantastic facilities and a superb fan base who deserve success.”

"Having spoken with Sam Rush and the owners I firmly believe we share the same desires and ambitions and that is to once again make Derby County a Premier League club."

“Myself, my staff and the players are going to be working very hard to achieve that objective. We all want the same thing and we are all really excited to be starting this new period in Derby County’s history.”

“I hope I can use a lot of my skills and my experience to take this club forward.I am really looking forward to working with Sam Rush and the board. I have known Sam for some time and he is a big part of me coming to Derby.”

Known Sam for some time hey? Poor old Macca never stood a chance!

Not having been a number one may be the main note of concern for some but it is hard to argue with his pedigree and the fact that he probably already has had as much experience and responsibility as many top men in his career to date.

After the mess that McClaren’s departure became, it is nice that the issue is sorted and the appointment has been made so Clement can now get to work on tinkering with the squad. Hopefully he can make the required changes that will take the Rams up a notch and finish off the good work that spectacularly imploded in the final months of the season.

Now we can start speculating on signings, as names like Ince and Bent will be continue to be tossed around, along with links to Real Madrid players the press will no doubt want to link to the former La Liga man.

Who will stay?

Who will he bring in?

Will he be able to get the best out of the current squad?

Will he help Albentosa become all we were told he can be!?

Frankly it all sounds like fun, especially after a few months of despair and uncertainty.

Finally the silly season can begin!

Good luck Mr. Clement — welcome to Derby and may your reign be long and successful!

COYR!!

Paul Clement speaks about joining the Rams.