Advisor could join to help administrators in search for buyer

DERBY County are set to appoint an advisor to the club’s administrators as the search for a new buyer continues, according to reports.

It is claimed by The Sun that Paul Aldridge, who has previously worked for West Ham United, Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton Wanderers and French side Marseille, is set to join as an advisor.

Derby’s administrators are hoping to find a new owner before the start of the January transfer window. However, if that does not happen, it is claimed Aldridge will be tasked to help should player sales be needed during the winter window.

It is reported that he will be appointed to also advise Quantuma, the firm appointed as the Rams’ administrators, in their search for a buyer after the club was put into administration by owner Mel Morris last month.

The report also says that manager Wayne Rooney and his squad will be paid this month as Derby look to avoid any other potential penalties from the EFL, with another possible nine-point deduction hanging over them due to an alleged breach of financial fair play rules.

On the pitch, Derby now have two weeks without a game due to the international break, Rooney’s men returning to action when they take on Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday, October 16.

Meanwhile, a new Derby County company has been listed with Companies House.

DCFC Licensing limited, a company that is connected to the Rams’ parent holding company, was set up on September 23.

That was a day after Derby officially went into administration. The nature of the business is listed as “licensed restaurants” and the registered address is the club’s Pride Park Stadium.

Stephen Pearce, Derby’s chief executive, who is working with Quantuma, is named as the company’s director.

The BBC are reporting that the reason for the new company is because gambling and catering licenses cannot be granted to businesses that are in administration.

The Back Yard, the coffee shop that replaced Starbucks at Pride Park, is currently closed but The Yard is open on a match day.

Betting kiosks at the club remain shut.