Steve McClaren has been sacked by Derby County

Steve McClaren has been sacked as Derby County manager, with a club statement lamenting a “persistent decline in results, team unity and morale”.

The former Newcastle boss returned to Derby in October last year for his second spell in charge following the departure of Nigel Pearson but has now left Pride Park with the club 10 points off the play-off places in the Sky Bet Championship.

After a mixed start to his second stint in charge, with the club near the relegation zone, McClaren oversaw a seven-game winning run, as part of 10 games unbeaten, which lifted the team into sixth spot and in contention for a play-off place shortly before the New Year.

However, the side have picked up one win in their last nine Championship outings, with the 3-0 defeat at Brighton proving to be McClaren's last match in charge.

Following his sacking as Derby boss, sources close to the former England manager have said he is "exceptionally disappointed to be relieved of his post. His remit when he went into the club was to get them out of trouble and take them to safety which he feels he's achieved".

However, the club released a strongly-worded statement on Sunday night confirming his departure, along with assistant manager Chris Powell and technical director Chris Evans.

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A club statement said: "Derby County has parted company with manager Steve McClaren with immediate effect. McClaren, 55, returned to the club in October last year and was handed the challenge of getting the 2016/17 season back on track after a disappointing start to the campaign.

"This was a task which was achieved swiftly and decisively, resulting in the team reaching sixth place in the table towards the latter part of 2016 after finding itself towards the relegation zone only a few months previously.

"However, since the turn of the year we have experienced a significant, unexpected and persistent decline in results, team unity and morale. Our form over the last 10 games would place us above the relegation group by goal difference alone.

"The 3-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday evening, combined with Saturday's results, means with nine games remaining the side is 10 points adrift of a place in the Championship's top six."

Chairman Mel Morris said in the statement: "Steve is a great coach, we have very talented players and first class facilities but the heartbeat, commitment, focus and passion has been lacking something fundamental.

"The Brighton game on Friday night was so far from what we expect to see from those wearing a Derby County shirt.

"To ensure we are on the right path, it is important to put the building blocks in place so we can develop a team we can all be proud of. Players should wear the shirt with pride and share, espouse and exude the qualities and values we believe are important to the club, its supporters and the community.

"We need a manager who shares our values and who is prepared to develop the team, staff and processes that will set us on course for a sustainable place in the Premier League. We are less concerned about timescales than we are about getting things right. Of course we would like to achieve this sooner rather than later.

"That manager will of course be given the full support and backing of myself, the board, our executive team and staff to shape and develop the team around those who truly and demonstrably want to be part of Derby County."