Championship side Derby County have once again sacked Steve McClaren as their manager.

McClaren, following his ignominious spell with Newcastle last season, took charge of the Rams in October.

After a mixed spell of results, McClaren managed to guide the club into the top six shortly before the New Year.

However, a run of one win in their last nine league games has left them tenth in the table and ten points behind the top six.

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."