No surrender - New Derby boss Jewell promises a battle to the finish

Jewell, who left his job as Wigan manager after keeping them up on the final day of last season, was unveiled this morning as Billy Davies' replacement and his first task is to get the Rams off the bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

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But despite the side's perilous situation, Jewell insists a first-time return to the Coca-Cola Championship is not a foregone conclusion.

Asked if he could keep the side up this season, he told a press conference: "Absolutely. If I don't believe it, if the players don't believe it, if the fans don't believe it we have no chance.

"It's going to be very difficult but I'm not here to wave the white flag. We're not adrift."

Jewell has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Pride Park and insists although the appointment has been a speedy one he is ready to dig in for a long haul with the club following six months out of the game.

"I've taken time out of football to reflect on how I can get better. That time has not just been spent playing golf, I've done a lot of travelling and watched a lot of football.

"We're in a struggling situation but all is not lost and I'm here for the long term to try and get the club strong and upward and in the right direction.

"Every challenge is a big challenge - be it Bradford, Sheffield Wednesday or Wigan but this one really excites me. There is a lot of history in this football club but the history doesn't count for a lot these days.

"I think we can move the club forward."

Jewell insisted he had never had contact with chairman Adam Pearson before a phone call yesterday and was clear that nothing definite had yet been discussed regarding transfers.

That was a major bone of contention during the Davies era, but Jewell is wary of overspending in the next transfer window.

"The chairman called me yesterday, it was the first time I've spoken to him ever - despite what people might think.

"People always ask about money but we want to move forward, there will be money available if and when we want to strengthen.

"People talk about the January window but you have to be careful about who you bring in. I've watched a lot of matches and there's players I'd like to bring in if and when it is possible.

"Let January look after itself, we're looking now to Sunderland (on Saturday)."

But with the players on a day off today Jewell will have to wait until tomorrow to work with his new squad.

Jewell added: "I'm looking forward to getting on the training pitch again.

"Sunderland's another game, a very crucial six-pointer if you like."

Jewell claimed all of the current Derby players would be given an even chance to impress.

He said: "You are starting with a clean piece of paper and it's up to you to prove you are good enough to be in the team.

"As long as players give me 100% there won't be a problem."

Pearson claimed Jewell was the best candidate to replace Davies.

"Paul is a stand-out candidate with regard to managerial experience in both the Premier League and the Championship.

"But it's the Premier League where we are now and I couldn't think of a better man to lead us into battle.

"We are delighted Paul is with us to face Sunderland."