Takeover deal heading down final straight...

ALL PARTIES WORKING INTO NIGHT TO GET IT OVER LINE

ALL parties connected with the Derby County takeover were working hard to get a deal over the line as the Derby Telegraph went to press last night.

Administrators Quantuma had set a completion target date of yesterday for Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd.

The company, led by Rams fan David Clowes, have already bought Pride Park Stadium from previous owner Mel Morris, as well as issuing a loan to enable them to start the season.

Clowes have undergone the owners and directors test at the Football League and all that remains now is for the takeover of the club to be completed, which would then allow the Rams to come out of administration after nine months.

Earlier yesterday, Rams defender Curtis Davies said he was feeling “more confident” about the deal, given Clowes Developments had already acquired the stadium.

“I feel more confident about this one simply because these people have waited in the background, waited to see what happened and they bought the stadium first before doing anything,” Davies told Integral Sports Management on YouTube.

“That was always the stumbling block so the fact they have bought the stadium makes things a lot easier.

“They are Derby people, Derby fans and fingers crossed it all goes through. But I don’t think they would have come out this late down the line having bought the stadium for it to fall through. They will make it work and, touch wood, the club can start signing players.”

Meanwhile, former Rams manager Wayne Rooney used Twitter to urge supporters to get behind his successor.

He quit last Friday, suggesting the Rams needed “fresh energy” and his assistant Liam Rosenior has taken over as interim boss.

“A massive thank you to all the fans, players, and staff at @dcfcofficial for your support over the last three years. This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my career,” Rooney wrote on Twitter.

“Thanks for taking me in as one of your own. Please get behind the next manager and give them what you gave me, trust, loyalty, and unbelievable support.

“Some great memories I’ll never forget.”