Paul Jewell could have hidden away during what he calls "the toughest period of my career" - but he hopes to come out the other side a stronger man.

Jewell is yet to taste a league victory since taking over as Derby boss back in November and is already preparing for life back in the Coca-Cola Championship next season.

The 2007/08 season hit a new low last week with the Rams' 6-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa, leaving Jewell to admit the result was "embarrassing".

But he is looking to learn from adversity and take on the experiences as he looks to guide Derby back to the Premier League next season.

He told Friday's RamsWorld bulletin: "I don't being beaten, I don't like saying the same things to the press on a Thursday and after every game - that drives me up the wall.

"But to get success you have to go through tough periods and this has been the toughest for me.

"If we can get through this we might be better; we might be able to look back in a few years and remember these times.

"It would have been easy for me not to do press conferences and I have felt like it at times, but that would have been wrong - it would have been hiding away."

He added: "It's killing me to be the manager of a team that's got 11 points, a goal difference of minus so many, and we know some people may see us as a laughing stock.

"It is something we would like to put to bed but the most important think - and I'm sick of saying it - is what happens next season.

"We do not want to go down as the worst team but if that does happen and we do come back next year I'm sure nobody will remember it.

"This is certainly the toughest period in my career and I hope if I can get through it I will be stronger and a better manager for next season."

We are Derby - get your 2008/09 Derby County season ticket secured!