John Gregory was confirmed as the new manager of Derby County at a Pride Park press conference this afternoon.
Gregory, who suceeds Colin Todd, quit as manager of Aston Villa last Thursday, blaming a breakdown in his relationship with Villa chairman Doug Ellis.
He has now stepped straight into an uphill battle to keep the second-from-bottom Rams in the top flight.
Gregory told the club's Rampage Radio Station: "I have had an opportunity given to me by Derby County and I am very glad to be coming here. They basically sold the club to me."
Derby held extensive talks yesterday with the 47-year-old, who played for the Rams in the mid-1980s.
Gregory is Derby's third manager of the season. Jim Smith departed in October after turning down an offer to become director of football and was succeeded by Todd, who was sacked two weeks ago.
PA