From teacher to Derby via Real Madrid: Paul Clement is a 'very good fit' for the Rams

Paul Clement believes he and Derby are a very good fit

AS A former teacher, it was fitting that Paul Clement learned his trade at some of football's finest schools.

 

Just 15 years ago he was a gym master at Glenthorne High School in Sutton and since then his register has become somewhat more star-studded.

Clement can count Chelsea's John Terry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as among his star pupils.

Now it is the turn of Derby's Class of 2015 to come under his tutelage.

 

Just 15 years ago he was a gym master at Glenthorne High School in Sutton and since then his register has become somewhat more star-studded.

Clement can count Chelsea's John Terry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as among his star pupils.

Now it is the turn of Derby's Class of 2015 to come under his tutelage.

 

Carlo Ancelotti took a liking to Clement at Chelsea and brought him to Real Madrid

Instead his journey began with a part-time job at Chelsea, completing his coaching badges and working his way up the coaching ladder at Stamford Bridge.

Carlo Ancelotti took a liking upon his arrival in 2009 and Clement followed the Italian to PSG two years later and then was recruited to the Spanish capital.

Winning the trust of some of the world's biggest names on the way as a No 2, Clement has been offered the chance to put that CV to use at the Championship club tipped for promotion.

He said: "I have my own personality and certainly won't be trying to pretend to be anyone else.

"I have to let my own style come through.

"But when you are fortunate enough to work with some very good managers, you would be foolish not to dip into that experience in this role."

Steve McClaren paid the price for Derby falling away last season but the strong squad already in place has been strengthened with key additions to the spine.

Jason Shackell, Chris Baird, Darren Bent and Andreas Weimann all have Premier League experience to count for.

Elsewhere, Aitor Karanka has signed a new four-year contract as Middlesbrough manager.

The Spaniard, 41, took over at the Riverside Stadium in November 2013 and