Steve McClaren has been sacked for a second time by Derby County, with Gary Rowett poised to replace him as head coach.

McClaren's return to Derby has ended after just five months, following a torrid run of one win in nine league games.

The former England manager was re-appointed in October last year, 17 months after he was sacked by the Championship club, but has paid the price as Derby are likely to miss out on the play-offs.

Rowett is now about to make his own return to management and his first game will be the east Midlands derby against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Derby's chairman Mel Morris has moved for the former Birmingham manager amid fears that they may miss out on him to rivals Norwich, who sacked Alex Neil on Friday.