Billy commits to the Rams

Rams boss Billy Davies has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at Derby County until 2010.

Davies, 43, guided the Rams to promotion in his first year at Pride Park. He was one year into a three-year deal after joining the Rams from Preston North End last summer, and all Rams supporters are happy this decision is out of the way and Billy can know concentrate on bringing in more players for the 2007 Premier league campaign.

Meanwhile the back room staff at Pride Park is taking shape with former Scotland manager Craig Brown joining the Rams as club consultant and ambassador, having previously worked with Davies when the pair were together at Preston North End – the 67-year-old was in charge with Davies as his number two.

Another addition is Scottish-born Canadian Colin Miller, who has also joined Davies’ backroom staff as assistant first-team coach. Rams boss Davies is delighted with the appointments, and he still is hopeful David Kelly will become his number two very soon after Preston blocked the move earlier in the month.

On the two appointments Davies told the Rams official web site: “Craig has vast knowledge as a manager and a wealth of experience across the world, and that is why he is here.

“He’s in as a football consultant, to open up the market place of Europe and the rest of the world with regards to potential targets and signings.”

Miller had a lengthy career in Scotland, as well as a spell in England with Doncaster Rovers, and was a team-mate of Davies at Glasgow Rangers. He also has 61 international caps with Canada to his name and is highly-regarded by the gaffer.

‘Again, Colin has enormous contacts across the world, which is important – especially when a club gets to the Premier League and we’ve got to open up that market,’ Davies said.

“He will be very much involved in the day-to-day managing and running of the players, and assessing the opposition.

“Colin was a wonderful player, he is a wonderful coach, and without doubt he is an extremely good person to have on board. He’s a first-class lad and a tremendous addition to Derby County,” added Davies.