Smith agrees new Derby deal

Jim Smith guided Derby to the Premiership

Veteran Derby manager Jim Smith is set to sign a new deal which will keep him at the club for a further two seasons.

Smith, who has been with the club for five years, said he was "delighted" at the opportunity to stay in charge at Pride Park.

Although Derby endured a torrid time last season, Smith has been hugely successful during his time there.

He guided them to promotion to the Premiership in his first season in charge and has made some astute purchases in the transfer market.

'Wonderful occasions'

Smith said: "I'm very excited about the kind of things Derby can achieve and even more thrilled that the board has given me the chance to be part of it.

"I've experienced some wonderful occasions during my time with the club.

"Although last year was the most difficult season yet, I hope we can put that behind us and go onto achieve the kind of success we know we are capable of."

Smith, whose previous deal was due to expire at the end of new season, will now be contracted with the club until the end of the 2001/02 campaign.

Meanwhile, Derby have confirmed they have had a bid turned down for Norwegian international Andre Bergdolmo.

They submitted a £1m offer for the 28-year-old defender, only to be told by his club Rosenborg that he is not for sale.