Chief exec sees light at end of tunnel for takeover
DAILY TALKS TAKING PLACE AS THE WAIT CONTINUES
CHIEF executive Stephen Pearce has dismissed concerns Derby County could go into administration.
The proposed takeover of the club by Sheikh Khaled Zayed Bin Saquer Zayed Al Nayhan’s Derventio Holdings (UK) Limited remains very much on the table.
In the meantime, the club is focused on paying those players and senior members of staff their outstanding wages for December.
When asked about the takeover on TALKSPORT, Pearce said: “I can confirm we are still in normal dialogue with those guys (prospective new owners) multiple times on a daily basis and we are being told there are no issues whatsoever or complications with the takeover.
“Even this morning the conversations – we are speaking daily with the prospective new owners, myself and (owner) Mel (Morris) speaking to them directly – and there has absolutely not been a single issue raised by either party, just to stress that, and any indications that this deal won’t go through.
“It is just all about timing and that is where we are.
“I assured the players that is the case.
“It is an unfortunate situation that we are in but one we see light at the end of the tunnel very, very soon.”
When it was suggested by TALKSPORT pundit Simon Jordan, the former Crystal Palace owner, that there is no jeopardy of the club going into administration, Pearce replied:
“You are absolutely right, Simon. This is about timing.”
Derby County have been urged by Ramstrust to provide more clarity over the protracted takeover of the club.
The supporters group raised several concerns about the takeover, ticket refunds and manager’s position, with Wayne Rooney still acting as interim boss.
The Ramstrust statement read: “There are various reports that Derby County are unable to pay their players and are on the verge of administration.
“Ramstrust is therefore calling on the club to make an unequivocal statement on the true situation over two months since the club released a statement on November 6 advising supporters the takeover ‘is expected to close very soon.’
“Whilst we understand that contractual details cannot be revealed whilst negotiations continue, over the past two months some supporters have still not received ticket refunds and all supporters who have paid for this year’s tickets are becoming increasingly concerned.
“The manager’s position is still in limbo and we are now in the January transfer window without knowing the budget or feasibility of signings.
“Meanwhile, the club remains in the relegation zone of the Championship and now with a potential points penalty (if in administration), supporters’ concerns are increasing.
“Can the club please update all supporters on the situation to give us some confidence for the remainder of the season and longer term future?”
Derby County could sell some of their prized assets, it has been claimed, amid delays over the payment of player wages.
According to a report in The Sun, the wages issues could be resolved by selling players.
The newspaper claims “the Rams have alerted clubs that the likes of Jason Knight and Louie Sibley could be sacrificed because of a major problem”.
The report adds that a continued delay over wages could lead to a points deduction but that the club is in dialogue with the EFL in a bid to avoid punishment.