Varney: Admin situation does also affect players
LUKE Varney has described Derby County’s current situation as “heartbreaking”.
Varney spent three seasons at Pride Park from 2008 to 2011 and was with Portsmouth when they went into administration in 2012.
He told The Athletic: “The situation Pompey were in, they were getting rid of my wages.
“Other clubs knew the situation that Pompey were in, so they weren’t willing to pay fees.
“It’s difficult. It’s like sharks are ready to take your players because they know you are in a weakened position.”
Varney says Derby is a “proper football city” with a “passionate” fan-base.
“As a player, our money is protected (as football creditors must be paid in full). But it’s not the same for everyone. You do not want to see turmoil and it’s heartbreaking to see,” he said.
Following the 12-point penalty from the EFL, Derby’s response on the pitch, under manager Wayne Rooney, has been positive, with home wins against Stoke City and Reading to buoy supporters.
“If you’re not willing to put the effort in when the chips are down, then when are you? It’s time to come together,” said Varney.
“It shows you are a good character. If you’re willing to fight even when there might be issues in the background around things like your salary then other clubs will see that.
“Wayne is a massive name in football. People will be asking him about the players anyway. It travels a long way what people think of you. It benefits everyone if you conduct yourself properly.
“I know they are loving playing for Wayne. I’ve spoken to quite a few of the lads.
“Your worries can go out of the window in games and when you’re on the training field. It’s just when you come off: you want to know what’s going on.”
Varney recalled administration being a “strange situation in terms of what it can do for players.”
“At Portsmouth, players were having problems with mortgage companies and all sorts. If I was to say it didn’t impact us I’d be lying.
“We were all on decent money and we probably got a 10th of the money for six months.
“But it can actually make them (players) play better. They will have their agents in their ears about January, reminding them they’re being closely watched.
“If any of the players say they don’t know that themselves they’d be lying.
“If Derby need to sell and if they are playing well enough then there will be a market for them.”