PHIL Brown is expected to be named as the new manager of Derby County in the next 24 hours.

The Reebok assistant manager, already clear favourite to succeed George Burley at Pride Park, saw his position strengthened when Yeovil manager Gary Johnson effectively ruled himself out of the running.

Sources close to the Championship side suggested an official announcement could be made soon, which would see 46-year-old Brown end his 17-year association with Wanderers.