Billy Davies believes he'll be favourite for the sack when Derby kickoff their Premiership campaign next season.

Davies, boss of Premier League new boys Derby, said: "I'll start the season as the first manager being tipped for the sack.

"We'll be the first club tipped to be relegated.

"It doesn't worry me or change my philosophy. It's a challenge and it's a great one. I'm not frightened - I'm excited."

But Davies admits he faces big problems.

He added: "We are already three weeks behind schedule because of the play-offs and that's put us on the back foot."