Ardiles: 'I can save Rams'

Ardiles is convinced he can save Derby from the drop

Former Spurs manager Ossie Ardiles has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacancy at troubled Derby County.

And the former World Cup winner claims he would keep the Rams in the Premiership.

Ex-Blackburn and Inter Milan manager Roy Hodgson has also declared an interest in the post.

Ardiles told the Daily Express newspaper: "I want the job at Derby and I want to keep them up."

The Argentine World Cup winner has previous Premiership managerial experience.

I know people will remember what happened at Spurs and I don't want to go over old ground

Ossie Ardiles

After attaining cult status as a player at Tottenham, he managed the White Hart Lane club between 1993-94.

Ardiles lasted just 16 months in the post as his attractive, attacking side leaked goals.

The Argentine has also managed Newcastle, West Bromwich Albion and Swindon, as well as club sides in Saudi Arabia and Japan.

He said: "My record in this country is good.

"Remember what I achieved at West Brom and Swindon with very little money.

"I managed to get them both promoted, playing good football.

"I know people remember what happened at Spurs and I don't want to go over old ground.

There are enough points left for Derby to reach safety

Roy Hodgson

"But Tottenham was a difficult job at that time for a number of reasons."

Ardiles is currently out of work after being sacked as coach at Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad last November.

Hodgson, 54, said: "I'm aware of the situation at Derby.

"I know Ravanelli has been linked with the manager's job but has said he doesn't want to be considered.

"If Derby want to talk then I am more than willing to discuss it. They are in a very difficult position, but it is not insoluble.

"There are enough points left for Derby to reach safety."

Hodgson is currently working in Denmark after parting company with Udinese earlier in the season.

Roy Hodgson has also expressed an interest

As well as taking Switzerland to the 1992 World Cup finals, he has won league titles with Malmo in Sweden and FC Copenhagen in Denmark.

He added: "Unless you are at one of the top five clubs in England there is no money around.

"I have worked extensibly abroad and have my contacts, particularly in Italy, Sweden and Denmark.

"I would assess the current staff and then know where to go to bring in new players at minimal cost," added Hodgson.

Former Derby player and Arsenal boss Bruce Rioch is another strong candidate after he told BBC Sport Online he was "very interested" in the job.

Derby received 40 applications within 24 hours of advertising the job.