Derby points appeal delayed

DERBY’S appeal against their 12-point deduction for going into administration has been adjourned.

An independent arbitration panel was due to sit this week after Town’s Championship rivals went into administration in late September but this has been halted for now, with no rescheduled date yet set.

“The EFL can confirm the appeal hearing in respect of the sporting sanction imposed on Derby County for entering administration has been and Manchester City’s Kyle Walker. “I think each one of us have a different style of play,” the defender said. “Trent’s been at the top for quite a few years now and Kyle Walker as well.

“The competition’s very tough and there’s other full-backs that are not here as well that are also at a very good level.

“I’m competing with very good players, so it’s quite tough and we just have to keep pushing each other.”

Alexander-Arnold, Walker and James are not only fighting for the England right-back berth but battling it out in the Premier League for three title-chasing teams.

“Of course when you come away you kind of have to put club rivalry aside,” James said.

“When we’re here, we’re one team and our aim is to win.

“No matter who we’re playing against, so we kind of have to put it aside and focus on our task here.”

Asked if that is easy to do, the Chelsea full-back added: “No, it’s not easy. We play most of our football for our clubs and we want to win wherever we are.” adjourned,” said an EFL statement.

Derby are nine points from safety at bottom of the Championship table after their punishment but are attempting to prove administration was forced on them by the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Derby’s administrators, who lodged the appeal after being appointed on September 22, have said several interested parties have submitted ‘serious’ bids for the club.