Derby boss Billy Davies has hit out at the timing of his FA disciplinary hearing, which could see him banned from the touchline for the start of the Rams' season.

The hearing will take place on 9th August, just two days before Derby kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Portsmouth

Davies was charged with using abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official during the match at Southend back in January.

"It has taken a long time. And it is not great timing two days before the first league game," Davies told The Sun.

"But I just need to go and put my case across and will hopefully be able to sit in the dugout for our first game.

"I will explain my case and talk about what took place that day and hopefully be found not guilty with regards to what actually happened, but of course I'd rather be on the training ground.

"I will not change who I am and what I am nor will I apologise for that."