Derby announce Davies departure

Derby County FC have parted company with manager Billy Davies after a 2-0 defeat at home against Chelsea FC left them rooted to the foot of the Premier League.

Best interest
Saturday's result left derby two points adrift at the bottom and prompted a meeting between Davies and club chairman Adam Pearson after which it was decided that the Scottish manager should leave the promoted club. "We have decided mutually in the best interest of both parties that to go our separate ways is the correct decision at this time," said Pearson. Derby have won just one league game so far this season and have conceded 33 goals.

Fond farewell
Davies is the fifth Premier League manager to leave his club since the start of the season following José Mourinho at Chelsea FC, Sammy Lee at Bolton Wanderers FC, Chris Hutchings at Wigan Athletic FC and Steve Bruce at Birmingham City FC. Pearson added: "Billy Davies leaves Derby County with our best wishes and our genuine gratitude in achieving a magnificent promotion to the Premier League, where everyone connected with the club wanted to be."