Kirchner announces bid to buy the Rams
US businessman Chris Kirchner has announced his intention to buy Hull City’s Championship rivals Derby County, in a development which will likely leave Tigers fans looking on with envious eyes.
The Rams went into administration last month and have appealed against the 12-point penalty handed out by the English Football League.
Wayne Rooney’s side have won three games and drawn eight but sit bottom as a result of the deduction, just four behind City who occupy the third relegation spot with Barnsley sandwiched in the middle.
American businessman Kirchner has now confirmed he wants to buy the club. The 34-year-old is co-founder and chief executive of software company Slync.io, a global logistics technology provider.
In a letter to Derby supporters released to the PA news agency, Kirchner said: “We don’t know each other yet, but we have two things in common: our love for the game of football and our desire to rebuild Derby County back into the proud club everyone deserves.
“My name is Chris Kirchner and I hope to see many of you soon - as this is my official announcement of my intention to work with the administrators to take Derby County Football Club out of administration.”
He added: “While the club is currently going through a really tough time, it is the supporters, and everyone associated with the club that have stayed loyal which provide the foundation to rebuild again.
“I want to be a part of that rebuild and support that effort. As an entrepreneur I am committed to building companies and I want to apply that experience towards rebuilding this proud and storied club.
“This challenge is one I don’t take lightly but is something I am looking forward to - and I know we can prove successful at - if we work together.”
Having outlined his love of football which stemmed from his childhood Kirchner added: “My love for football hasn’t changed over the years, and I have been involved as a fan throughout my adult life.
“Being in the fortunate position to purchase such a prestigious club as Derby is a childhood dream come true. In business I believe in transparency, trust, humility and respecting authority. Those are qualities I have grown up with.
“At this point in time, the administration process is complex, but I have informed the administrators that I’m willing to work through these complexities.
“I understand and acknowledge that there are a number of interested parties in the club, but I wanted to go on the record at the start of the process and be up front.
“I’ve also taken it upon myself to advise my team to simultaneously work on the EFL’S Owners’ and Directors’ Test process. If I’m successful in these processes then I believe it will enable us all to move forward together and put the past behind us.
“Clearly, I am at the beginning of procedures that must take place with the administrators and the EFL. I am respectful of these mechanisms. Nonetheless, my team and I have already been in conversation with all parties to discuss where to start.”
City, meanwhile, continue discussions over a potential deal with Acun Ilicali, the Turkish TV mogul, who is keen to invest in English football after a brief flirtation with Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands previously.