Struggling Rams sack Todd

Derby today sacked manager Colin Todd - just over three months after appointing him as boss at Pride Park.

The Rams were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa at the weekend, leaving them second from bottom of the FA Barclaycard Premiership and entrenched in a relegation battle.

At the start of January, Derby were dumped out of the FA Cup in the third round by Third Division Bristol Rovers, who won 3-1 at Pride Park.

Chief executive Keith Loring said on the club's website, www.dcfc.co.uk: "The decision made by the chairman and board of directors was unanimous and Colin has been aware the chairman was not happy with the way things have been going."

Reserve team manager Billy McEwan will take charge of first team affairs for Saturday's crucial home game against fellow strugglers Ipswich.

Todd was made assistant manager in October 2000 and when Jim Smith left a year later he took over the reins of the Premiership strugglers but has been unable to turn things around.

"It was felt he should be given a chance as manager," added Loring.

"However, since then we have lost 11 games of the 17 played. We are second-to-bottom in the league and a week ago were knocked out of the FA Cup by a struggling Third Division team. Clearly things have not improved.

"The board has not taken this decision lightly. As a player Colin Todd remains a Derby County legend and it was everyone's wish that he would be successful too as a manager."

Earlier today Derby's star Italian striker Fabrizio Ravanelli brushed aside speculation that he was on the verge of taking over as manager at Derby.

But he admitted he would consider the offer if it ever came his way.

"No one has contacted me from the club, but I have seen it in the press," the Derby striker told PA International.

"At this time I only think about being a player at Derby County, but if that opportunity arises in the future I will evaluate it," he said.