Derby manager Billy Davies is preparing for the challenge of the Barclays Premiership after committing his future to the club.

Following the victory over West Brom in the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final speculation immediately began that Davies could quit.

The club's failure to appoint David Kelly, Davies' No 2 at former club Preston, as assistant boss was believed to be the cause of friction.

Kelly was placed on gardening leave by the Lilywhites but Derby have refused to pay the reported £1m compensation wanted.

It has been claimed the matter has had Davies, who left Preston in acrimonious circumstances last year, at loggerheads with the club but the Scot yesterday softened his stance.

Davies said: ''I'm not looking for an exit clause. I have signed a three-year contract, I have two years left of that contract, it's my intention to see out the remainder of those two years.

''Hopefully in the next couple of weeks there will be discussions taking place and we can sort a few things out.''

The club, who can now expect an estimated £60m windfall as a result of promotion, have also indicated their willingness to resolve the matter.

Mike Horton, the Rams' vice-chairman and managing director, said: ''Billy will get an assistant, but what he needs to do is make sure he gets the right one. I am sure he will get the one he wants.''

Davies confessed he felt drained and likened life without an assistant to ''working without my right arm''.

He said: ''To win just one football match at any level takes a lot of hard work, so every manager needs a good assistant.

''But I am thankful for the coaching staff and the other backroom staff I have had around me this season because they have made great efforts."