US midfielder Benny Feilhaber has told ASD that Billy Davies' firing as Derby coach did not come as a huge shock to the players and hopes new coach Paul Jewell will give him the playing time he craves.

The rock-bottom Rams, marooned at the foot of the Premier League standings with six points from 14 games and a goal difference of -28, dispensed with their manager on Monday morning after a showdown between Davies and chairman Alan Pearson.

Davies' exit followed comments he made to the media after Chelsea's 2-0 win at Pride Park on Saturday, citing Pearson's lack of communication and an absence of transfer funds, but according to Feilhaber, the squad is coping well with the latest setback in what is proving a testing season.

"The squad's reaction was very professional," Feilhaber told American Soccer Daily.

"We know these things happen in football and we've tried to keep training to prepare for the Sunderland game. I don't know that anyone really expected it to be honest, but it also didn't come as a huge shock either. People have got on with it and I think it is the right thing to do."

Feilhaber's opportunities have been limited since signing for the Premiership new boys. The US international has seen only 115 minutes' action over four games since arriving from Hamburg in August, but he believes a new coach could at last give him the playing time he craves.

"This is an opportunity for everyone, and for me as well," he confirmed. "It is a clean slate for all to show the new manager what we can bring, and I do hope to prove myself fit to be playing consistent minutes for the team."

Rams teammate and fellow US international Eddie Lewis has made eight appearances since arriving from Leeds at the start of the season, resuming a relationship with Davies which began when the Scot coached Lewis at Preston in 2004.

Derby unveiled former Wigan boss Jewell as their new coach on Wednesday morning after speculation had also linked them with MK Dons' manager Paul Ince and Finland coach Roy Hodgson.

"It's going to be difficult, but I'm not here to raise the white flag," said Jewell of his latest challenge. "We're not adrift. We've got to work together to get out of the mess."

Derby resume their fight against relegation away to 18th place Sunderland on Saturday.