‘ I wanted to remain at Derby’

stenosis. For some time I’ve been having tingling in my hands and if I wait any longer it may spread to my legs, so I’ve made an appointment for surgery.

“Frankly, I don’t know how long I’ll have to physically stop, for the postoperative phase and the rehabilitation.” Former West Ham defender Slaven Bilic, who is quitting as Besiktas coach, had been installed as the odds- on favourite but the West Ham board are reluctant to place such a huge responsibility in the hands of someone who has never taken charge of a Premier League team .

McClaren turned down an approach to take over Newcastle with three games to go, when Derby had failed to make the play- offs, and that is likely to count against him with the St James’ hierarchy unimpressed by the snub. He refused to resign last Thursday after new chairman Mel Morris opted to make a change. But a compensation package was fi nalised yesterday to complete his exit .

McClaren said the Newcastle link had not affected his side’s poor fi nish. He said: “I’m very disappointed with the decision especially as on three occasions I have reiterated my commitment to Derby. The club means a huge amount to me and I was not looking to leave.

“I do not believe or accept rumours linking me to the Newcastle job were a factor in the team’s performance.

“I was confi dent of leading Derby to a successful season next year. However, I have to accept that Mel Morris wanted to take the club in a different direction.”