Former Real Madrid, PSG and Chelsea coach Paul Clement was dismissed by Championship side Derby County recently, despite the club being fifth in the Championship, just five points off leaders Hull City at the time of Clement’s axing.

It was not enough to save his job with Derby chairman insisting that Clement hadn't been judged on results but because he didn't conform to the 'Derby way'.

Many fans and neutrals were shocked by the decision, especially when Derby had won 14 out of the 33 matches played under Clement’s management.

Although the side have not won any of their last seven matches in the Championship, with their last victory coming on Boxing Day.

The club’s Academy Director and former defender Darren Wassall will take over until the end of the season, which some fans were unhappy about, with a large proportion crying out for an experienced manager in second tier football to take over with immediate effect.

The question now however is will Paul Clement’s departure, prevent the Rams from gaining promotion?

Many would say that it would, although usually but not always a new manager coming in can rejuvenate results and player performances so the change could benefit their chances of promotion.

One major factor to Derby’s slip in form could be Chris Martin’s dip in form where he has failed to find the net in his last 10 appearances, with his last goal coming in the 2-2 draw with Brighton on the 12^th of December 2015.

Martin started the season strongly scoring nine goals in his first 15 appearances, which placed Derby into the automatic promotion places, but an over-reliance on the forward has meant that his dip in form has affected results quite badly, and If Derby are to secure promotion, Martin will have to start scoring again, and soon.

Another factor could be January signing Nick Blackman, who joined from Reading after scoring 13 goals this season, although since joining Derby, Blackman has failed to score in all of his appearances.

Derby go head to head with promotion rivals Brentford on Saturday at Griffin Park and will desperately be looking to end their winless run and secure their first win under Darren Wassall’s guidance, and will be looking to get back in the race post Clement over the next couple of weeks.

Derby fans… Do you think the departure of Paul Clement, will prevent the club from gaining promotion? Who would you like to see be appointed long term next season? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!