Jewell has signed a 3 1/2 year contract with the Rams, who are rock bottom of the Premier League.
He said, when asked if they could avoid relegation: “Absolutely.
“If I don’t believe it, if the players don’t believe it, if the fans don’t believe it we have no chance.
“It’s going to be very difficult but I’m not here to wave the white flag. We’re not adrift.
“I’ve taken time out of football to reflect on how I can get better. That time has not just been spent playing golf, I’ve done a lot of travelling and watched a lot of football.
“We’re in a struggling situation but all is not lost and I’m here for the long term to try and get the club strong and upward and in the right direction.
“Every challenge is a big challenge – be it Bradford, Sheffield Wednesday or Wigan but this one really excites me.
“There is a lot of history in this football club but the history doesn’t count for a lot these days.
“I think we can move the club forward.”
