it is understood that Morris, who was installed as chairman over the summer, is wholly responsible for making the decision to terminate Clement's contract. He said: “We are grateful for the contribution Paul has made to the football club but the time is right to make a change.
“When Paul joined us last year we worked with him to develop a plan for the club which we asked him to embrace.
“It was clear in this plan, which was briefed to supporters, players, sponsors and all our stakeholders last summer that promotion this season was not the primary target. The priorities were building on the Derby way and style of football enjoyed in the past two seasons; adding depth and strength to our playing squad; and, developing and improving player and team performance.
“Sadly, on these measurements, we have not made enough progress and that is why we have decided to part company with Paul.
“I firmly believe that we have one of the very best first team squads in this league. Our players are highly talented professionals who are more than capable of winning games at this level and beyond.
“I want to record our thanks to Paul for his efforts in leading the team through the first 30 games of this season and in achieving a top six position at this point. We wish him every success in his future career.”
Clement left Real Madrid at the end of last season and replaced Steve McClaren at the iPro Stadium in June.
He made drastic changes to the squad, bringing in the likes of Bradley Johnson, Jason Shackell, Jacob Butterfield, Thomas Ince and Darren Bent.
But Derby's form has tailed off in recent weeks, culminating in disappointing draws with Reading, Preston and Fulham.
Wassall's first game will be this weekend with a home match against Milton Keynes Dons and it is understood that the club will give him the opportunity to stake a claim through performances and results for the full-time job. But inevitably rumours linking Garry Monk, Tim Sherwood and former Rams full-back and current Birmingham manager Gary Rowett will resurface should results continue to go awry.
Clement is expected to rejoin the staff of his mentor Ancelotti when he starts as head coach at Bayern Munich in June.
- Telegraph