Derby County's Steve McClaren: 'Promotion a long way off'

New Derby County head coach Steve McClaren has set out his aim to challenge for promotion from the Championship, but admits that it is a "long way off".

Former England boss McClaren, who was confirmed as Nigel Clough's replacement at the helm of the Rams today, said that he had two-and-a-half years to achieve the goal.

"Getting into the playoffs, challenging getting into the top two and getting into the Premier League. Of course that's the ambition but that's a long way off," the 52-year-old told Sky Sports News.

"We've still got to assess what we have here. They have excellent young players that play a great style of football.

"Nigel has done a great job in that respect and we are coming in here and we have to develop that. That's our job and we have two and a half years to do it."

McClaren will watch from the stands when Derby host Ipswich Town tomorrow night before taking full charge against Leeds United on Saturday.