FORMER Blackburn Rovers first-team coach Craig Short has returned to work with his former club Derby County – who last night fired boss Paul Clement.

Short lost his job along with the rest of the backroom staff after Gary Bowyer was sacked as Rovers manager in November.

But the 47-year-old, who also made 146 appearances for the club as a player, has landed a new job with Championship rivals Derby.

Short, who played 143 times for the Rams before moving to Everton and then Rovers, will provide additional coaching support to the club’s under-21 squad.

The former Notts County boss previously held the role of Derby’s academy head of recruitment.

Former England international defender Des Walker has been appointed as the Rams’ defensive academy coach.

The duo have initially joined the club until the end of the current campaign and Derby academy director Darren Wassall said: “We’re delighted to welcome Des and Craig to the academy coaching staff.

“Des is someone that has plenty to offer from a defensive point of view across the cademy and Craig, meanwhile, has worked with us previously so we’re well aware of his skills and he is a welcome addition to the under-21 coaching staff.”

It was subsequently announced that Wassall would take over first-team affairs at the iPro Stadium until the end of the season after former Rovers assistant manager Clement lost his job as the Rams’ head coach after just eight months in charge.

Derby are currently fifth in the Championship, five points off the automatic promotion places.

Rams chairman Mel Morris said: “We are grateful for the contribution Paul has made to the football club but the time is right to make a change.

“When Paul joined us last year we worked with him to develop a plan for the club which we asked him to embrace.

“It was clear in this plan, which was briefed to supporters, players, sponsors and all our stakeholders last summer that promotion this season was not the primary target. The priorities were building on the Derby way and style of football enjoyed in the past two seasons; adding depth and strength to our playing squad; and, developing and improving player and team performance.

“Sadly, on these measurements, we have not made enough progress and that is why we have decided to part company with Paul.

“I firmly believe that we have one of the very best first team squads in this league. Our players are highly talented professionals who are more than capable of winning games at this level and beyond.

“I want to record our thanks to Paul for his efforts in leading the team through the first 30 games of this season and in achieving a top six position at this point. We wish him every success in his future career.”