Paul Jewell quits as Derby manager

Derby manager Paul Jewell has resigned after only 13 months in charge of the Championship outfit, the club said on Monday.

Former Wigan boss Jewell threw in the towel after Sunday's 1-0 home defeat by Ipswich, his 50th game in charge of the Rams.

Jewell, 44, went ahead of an upcoming League Cup semi-final against Manchester United after a loss which left the side 18th in the table.

A statement said Jewell "feels he is no longer in a position to take the club forward" and assistant boss Chris Hutchings will take temporary charge to try to lift a side with only seven wins in 26 league matches.

Jewell took over a Derby side in freefall last season rooted to the foot of the Premiership.

Chairman Adam Pearson told BBC Radio Derby that the club had not put pressure on Jewell to go.

But Pearson said: "It was probably one result too far for Paul. He came to see me after the (Ipswich) game and said that he felt it just wasn't working out and didn't want to club to suffer as a result.

He just feels that the club needs a fresh impetus and a new direction." Hutchings takes charge for Saturday's FA Cup third round tie at non-league Forest Green Rovers and then Derby host Manchester United in the first leg of their League Cup semi at Pride Park on January 7. The 44-year-old Jewell's fortunes didn't improve in the second-tier League Championship, with his side failing to win any of its first four matches.

He finally bowed to fans' demands and quit after Sunday's defeat left Derby with just one win in its last nine league matches.

Assistant manager Chris Hutchings takes charge of the club with immediate effect ahead of two cup fixtures.

Derby, which is owned by Michigan-based General Sports and Entertainment, is at Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup third round on Saturday and hosts Manchester United in the League Cup semifinals the following on Wednesday.