FORMER Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren has completed a remarkable U-turn by returning to the IPro Stadium to take charge of Derby County.

McClaren was dismissed by Derby after two years in charge in May 2015, having failed to guide the Rams to promotion as they imploded in the second half of the 2014-15 season.

Derby won just two of their final 13 games as they dropped from the top of the table to eighth, with McClaren’s undisguised interest in taking over at Newcastle having infuriated a large number of the club’s fans.

The ex-Middlesbrough boss was installed as Newcastle manager the following summer, but was sacked in March with the Magpies on the brink of relegation from the Premier League.

He won just seven of his 31 games as Newcastle boss, and looked to have turned his back on management when he enrolled on a sporting directorship course at Manchester Metropolitan University.

However, his return to Derby was confirmed earlier today as he signed a deal until 2018 to replace Nigel Pearson, who left the club last week following a suspension and club investigation into his conduct.

“I am excited to be back at Derby County as the club’s manager,” said McClaren, who will return to St James’ Park when Newcastle host the Rams on February 4. “I have a great affiliation with the club, having been here on three previous occasions, and I am really delighted at the prospect of finishing what we started back in September 2013.

“I regret how my time at Derby ended back in 2015 and I am very motivated to put things right for the club and our supporters.

“My ultimate aspiration remains exactly what it was before, to take Derby County back to the Premier League.”

Chris Powell had been in caretaker charge and will remain as assistant manager, with first-team coach Kevin Phillips and goalkeeping coach Pascal Zuberbuhler also staying at the club.

Derby chief executive Sam Rush said: “Steve's time at Derby came to a premature end and I know he regrets that greatly. He values hugely his relationship with our supporters and I know he will work very hard to ensure the special connection returns.”