91Èȱ¬

Head coach Steve McClaren has insisted he is committed to winning promotion with Derby County and says he will not be taking over as Newcastle manager.

The ex-England boss had previously distanced himself from speculation he may leave, but stopped short of totally ruling himself out of succeeding Alan Pardew at the Premier League side.

But the 53-year-old told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Derby: "I am going nowhere.

"I don't want to let people down. I love working here."

McClaren took over as Rams boss in September 2013 and has revived the club's fortunes, guiding them to last season's Championship play-off final and to third place in the Championship table so far this season.

Rams chief executive Sam Rush has stated there is "no question" of his head coach leaving.

And McClaren has now said a combination of a sense loyalty and desire to finish the job he has started means he will definitely be staying at the iPro Stadium.

McClaren added: "Sam has spoken to me about three times last week and I said 'don't worry I am going nowhere. I have a job to do here, I don't want to let people down'.

"I have got to show loyalty. They have given me a great opportunity and backed me.

"Sam's been fantastic and so have the owners.

"We have asked players and staff to commit to long contracts to take Derby forward. We are building here and I have said I want to see the job through. I love working with these players.

"We are halfway through a season and it cannot derail us. Our objective is to push for the Premier League and we feel we are in a good position to do that.

"The supporters have been fantastic with me from day one. There is nothing in my mind that says I am going anywhere. Like it [or] lump it, I am staying here."