Nigel Pearson looks set for the sack at Derby County.

The former Leicester City boss was only appointed at the start of the season, but results have been far from good enough for a club many tipped to be challenging once again at the top of the table in the Championship.

The Rams were only in the play-offs last season, so their squad can't be that bad and with Chris Powell taking over their game on Tuesday with Pearson not required to attend by the club, the Derby hierarchy clearly feel a change is necessary.

Who comes in remains to be seen, but it's a job that's bound to attract some pretty decent names. Despite their league form this year Derby are one of the better sides in the division and with a bit of luck and some fresh impetus, there's no reason why they can't climb up the table.

Who could be in the frame, then? We've got a shortlist of five we reckon could take the hot seat...

Steve Bruce

This is probably the most likely choice and it would certainly make sense. Bruce knows exactly how to get out of the Championship and then survive in the Premier League with spells at Hull, Sunderland, Wigan and Birmingham seeing him do at least one or the other.

He'd be ideal for Derby, then, and would almost certainly get them away from trouble.

Steve McClaren

All of a sudden McClaren's reign in charge of the Rams doesn't look that bad. Yes, they crumbled when they should have got into the Premier League but their fans would surely take that now over what is currently being put on the menu at the iPro. He knows the club inside out from playing and managing them and may just be the perfect fit to steer them to safety.

He knows the club inside out from playing and managing them and may just be the perfect fit to steer them to safety.

Sam Allardyce

Too soon? 'Big Sam' will surely never live down what has gone on in the last few days. He's seen himself sacked from his dream job after one match, but evidently he will want to get back into management at some point.

The Rams may be wary of employing him but his record speaks for itself and he'd surely get them up towards the top end, which is where they want to be.

Harry Redknapp

Redknapp worked as an advisor for the Rams last year and might just fancy one more crack of the managerial whip. He knows the club, and with the potential for them to be a Premier League side if they can just get things right, it could be too good to turn down. He said he'll consider the right offer and this one could be just what he wants.

Chris Powell

Powell is the current assistant at the east Midlands side and if the hierarchy there don't want to rush into a decision they may give him the chance to show what he's got. Powell has international and Premier League playing experience as well as managing at this level and if given the chance he'd surely be more than willing to take it on and prove himself.