So it happened and it happened fast with an extra cherry on top. Nigel Pearson is the new Derby County Manager and former Rams player Chris Powell joins him as Assistant Manager. Does it get much better than that?

The resulting reaction from fans has been mostly positive, no doubt the addition of Powell has helped smooth over many concerns that some fans had about Pearson. The phrase ‘good cop, bad cop’ keeps getting rolled out along with the hopes of a Clough / Taylor like pairing but for now ‘Pearson & Powell’ sounds just fine to me.

Pearson inked a 3 year deal late on Friday with DCFC after being out of work since being sacked by the Foxes back in June last year. It seems the 52 year old sufficiently impressed Mel Morris and Sam Rush for them to quickly move on securing the Manager who led Leicester to the top flight with a 102 point season in the Championship that included 31 wins, 9 draws and only 6 losses.

Pearson’s record is undeniable and despite his controversies it is hard to ignore the fact that his players all highly regarded him and played accordingly under his guidance.

His record of signing quality is also something that cannot be ignored, when you can list names like of Vardy, Ulloa, Mahrez and Morgan, it is hard to deny that his fingerprints were all over the title that Leicester sensationally won this campaign.

It is hard to believe that Pearson stayed on the sidelines for as long as he did as a proven performer at both Championship and Premier League level. He got the Foxes up and kept them up which can only be considered a success for any Manager.

In a statement released by DCFC — Pearson spoke about his appointment as Manager:

"I am honoured to be named as the manager of Derby County, which is one of the biggest clubs in the country, a club in excellent shape and one with strong ambitions. It is firmly focused on achieving Premier League football.”

"I will give absolutely everything I have to this role and do all I can to bring exciting, entertaining and winning football which our supporters can be proud of.”

For a guy known for his abrasiveness — he is definitely buttering us up at the outset. Biggest clubs in the country…. oh Nigel…. you say all the right things!!

And if any of you have any doubts or are concerned about the appointment of Pearson - click on the link below for a great article by Joel Clyne of the DCFC Podcast team - as it may help to allay those fears.

Link: Why Pearson is the right man for Derby.

Pearson will be joined by former Derby player and fan favourite Chris Powell. The former Rams defender and England international made 91 appearances for DCFC and has gone on to have a career as a Manager having been number 1 at both Huddersfield & Charlton.

After being sacked by Huddersfield in November — it seems Powell is keen to rekindle his relationship with Pearson, who he served under as a player/coach at Leicester before embarking on his own management career. He will also link up with former player Jacob Butterfield who he reluctantly had to let go to the Rams while manager of the Terriers.

Caretaker Manager Darren Wassall will stay at the club and return to his position in charge of the Academy. I would like to thank Darren for his efforts as he wore his heart on his sleeve and gave it his all for both the club and fans which is all we could ask for. I have no doubt he has a future in management and this experience will definitely have got him noticed by other clubs, especially after turning around a run of losses and taking the Rams to the play-offs.

As for Harry Redknapp — he has left the club after his short-term contract expired. No doubt a top little earner for footballs answer to Arthur Daley.

I for one welcome the moves that have been made in the last 24 hours, as it seems Mel Morris and his team have set the club up for a genuine tilt at the top flight next season.

The experience put in place and the type of personalities they bring to the table, may be just what a team who has struggled to find the consistency required to succeed.

The fact that the title of ‘Manager’ has also been brought out of mothballs at the club is also a small but encouraging change. It seemed like the ‘Head Coach’ title was a way of keeping tabs on the man at the top and making them part of a bigger decision making team.

Maybe I am old fashioned but I want the ‘Manager’ to have control, fashion the team his way and be left to do what he does best by those in charge.

You can’t imagine a Ferguson, Mourinho, Guardiola or Ranieri being happy if given a lesser title as they are hired to lead the club so give them the space to do just that. If you want to manage the club yourself go and get your badges — otherwise keep nothing more than a watchful eye over the job they are doing and let them do what they do best.

You get the impression Mel must be willing to do this now, otherwise you wouldn’t hire a guy like Pearson who I doubt would enjoy much interference. So credit must go to Mel Morris who has done so much for the club already — maybe he has made mistakes but you have to live in the present and the present suddenly seems like a really good place to be for Derby County fans.

In 12 months time hopefully we will be feeling the same way or even more positive if the Rams new formula of Pearson plus Powell equals promotion!

COYR!!

Photo: Action Images

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