A green light back on red as brief hope crushed Jags defied the years to be key man during stay
A POSITIVE Thursday has been followed by a deflating Friday. Welcome to another day in the life of Derby County.
Plenty of encouraging messages emerged from Thursday’s prematch press conference ahead of today’s Championship clash against Sheffield United.
Wayne Rooney was asked for the latest on when a preferred bidder for the club would be named and also for an update on his plans for making signings and extending contracts of players, notably Phil Jagielka.
On a preferred bidder, Rooney said: “I think we all should know by tomorrow (Friday).”
On Jagielka’s contract situation, Rooney said: “With Jags, everything is agreed in terms of the numbers and again we are waiting on the EFL. I am sure by tomorrow (Friday) I’ll know exactly what I can and can’t do.”
And on his transfer plans for January, Rooney said: “My job is to see what players I can bring in and what we can possibly do. They are the questions I have asked and I am sure I will have a final answer of what I can and can’t do tomorrow (Friday) once the EFL have reviewed everything.
“I have players ready to come in. Now I am just waiting on the green light to do that.”
The green light is stuck on red, it appears.
What has followed is the emergence of news that Derby’s administrators have been requested by the EFL to provide proof of funds that the club can complete the season without a takeover.
Without that, they are not allowed to extend contracts or sign players.
The hope from Thursday has been diluted; the chink of welcome light appears to have dimmed.
The club are again making the headlines for all the wrong reasons and the supporters are suffering, again.
Fans have been patient and their patience has been stretched as they have waited on “iminent” deadlines.
There is an understanding that not everything can be divulged publicly in such situations and that such matters can be complex, but there also comes a time for detailed answers and clear statements on why the hold-up and exactly where we are at with the takeover process.
We have reached that time.
PHIL Jagielka has been magnificent for Derby County this season. The 39-year-old’s performances have defied his years.
He has displayed great composure, know-how and ability to read the game.
His partnership with Curtis Davies at centre-back has been hugely important to the team.
Some looked at their combined age of 75 and thought they would be found out in the Championship. Not a chance.
The news that Jagielka looks to have played his last game for the Rams is another savage body blow among many savages blows for the club and their supporters.
His contract was due to expire on Monday and manager Wayne Rooney wanted to extend the player’s stay at Pride Park but this is not possible, as things stand, as hopes of signing players and extending contracts have been put on hold as the club’s takeover saga rumbles on.
Derby’s administrators have been requested by the EFL to provide proof of funds that the club can complete the season without a takeover. Without proof of funds Derby are not allowed to extend contracts or sign players.
It is likely Rooney will be fuming about this and he has every right to be. Which manager wouldn’t be?
The number of obstacles he has had to negotiate in his first year in management has been quite remarkable and yet he has done so showing terrific determination and leadership.
He, his staff and the players – including Jagielka – have been pulling out all the stops as they battle against the odds to avoid relegation from the Championship.
They are doing their bit, the fans are also doing their bit with their tremendous support for the team, but they continue to be faced with new hurdles.
In reaction to Jagielka’s departure, the Rams put out a brief statement, saying: “Derby County would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Phil for his commitment and efforts both on and off the pitch whilst with the club and wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Stoke City have already been mentioned as being interested in signing the former England defender.
Jagielka helped the Rams beat Stoke 2-1 at the bet365 Stadium only a few weeks ago.