Image:Clough: Has struggled to take Derby to another level since taking over in 2009
Derby manager Nigel Clough has ruled the club out of the running for a Championship play-off finish.
Realistic Derby boss faces uncertain future
Derby manager Nigel Clough has ruled the club out of the running for a play-off finish ahead of their Championship season-opener.
The Rams welcome Birmingham to Pride Park on Saturday and Clough believes a promotion push is 'unrealistic' having watched their competitors spend big this summer.
"It's not a ploy to play things down, it's how we feel," Clough told The Sun. "We haven't had a great pre-season, we've found it tough. A top-six finish would be unrealistic."
Clough is entering the final year of his contract at the club and, with his future uncertain, he admits he will not be sounding out the owners for an extension.
He said: "That won't come from my end. If we don't win some games then the question will be academic anyway. We have to get some results."
