Off-field issue still the key to crucial period for the Rams

JANUARY is edging closer. What will the month hold for Derby County?

The Rams face League fixtures against Reading, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City as they chase what would be the most incredible of great escapes from the jaws of League One.

There is also an FA Cup third round meeting with Coventry City, but the matches are set to be played to a backdrop of off-the-pitch matters that are likely to dominate the headlines.

The ownership issue and the club’s future remains of paramount importance and concern.

The Rams are still in administration and the administrators, Quantuma, say good progress is being made in the search for a buyer. They are seeking to complete a sale of the club in late January.

“This is subject to the successful outcome of negotiations with key stakeholders and interested parties, which has always been the case,” Quantuma’s most recent message read.

Another key issue centres around the shape of Derby’s squad. How will it look once January has been and gone? Who will arrive and who will depart during the transfer window?

Wayne Rooney wants to add to his thin squad and sort out players’ contracts, to push on with his plans.

“I know what I want to do,” he said last week, “but I can’t put contracts in front of players if I don’t know where the money is coming from and who is paying them.

“So, ultimately, we need an ownership done as quick as possible to allow me for the short-term at least to get things in place.”

As for possible departures, speculation is already swirling. This is expected, predictable even given the club’s situation and given the ongoing uncertainty.

Reports tell us “multiple enquiries” have been received about the availability of the Rams’ leading youngsters, Max Bird, Jason Knight and Louie Sibley.

All have been linked with moves in previous transfer windows, so this is nothing new. Knight made big strides last season, Bird is enjoying his best year in the first team. Scouting departments at clubs would not be doing their job if they had not noticed.

All three players are under contract beyond this season, but many of the first team are not, as things stand, and clubs will be watching Derby’s situation closely and wondering if a cheeky bid here and there might land them a New Year bargain.

Skipper Tom Lawrence is one of the players whose deals expire in the summer, goalkeeper Kelle Roos is another. Lawrence is being eyed by West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Swansea City, according to reports, Roos by Norwich City, Fulham and Bournemouth.

Both Rams boss Wayne Rooney and the administrators have fielded questions about January and whether or not players will need to be sold due to the club’s financial plight. Those questions are likely to continue.

Joint administrator Carl Jackson said: “We will keep an open mind on that. We don’t see that as our priority at the moment. Our priority at the moment is to actually land on a preferred buyer, get our deals done, if I can call it that, with HMRC and others, and put a proposal together.

“We will see what the timing looks like on that and we will form a view on transfers. We will obviously want to engage with Wayne Rooney and he will be absolutely keen that we don’t do anything.

“That is our preference, not to do anything.”

Rooney’s message has been clear. “If players leave, it will be because there is an opportunity for them and they may come to me and say I want to leave – if I am being honest, I can’t see any players doing that.

“Or it is because I have said to the players ‘thank you, it is probably better of you move on.’ No player will leave this club without me giving it the go-ahead.”

By the time we are deep into January and if a new owner has still to be found, then Derby’s situation could dictate whether or not players are sold. If a new owner is in place, then the picture could change.

It could be a window like no other for the club.

So predicting what will happen next month is impossible. What is predictable is it’s shaping up to be a crucial month for the club.