NO FUN IN THE SUN FOR DERBY

PAUL Clement has denied reports Derby County cancelled a warm-weather training camp in Dubai next week to punish the players.

Chairman and owner Mel Morris notified the players the proposed trip was cancelled after Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Reading – their third Championship game without a win – leading one national newspaper to suggest it was a punishment.

“It is what we felt was the appropriate thing to do. It wasn’t booked, it was a proposal, something we considered doing,” said Clement.

“It was felt after recent performances, it wasn’t an appropriate time to go.”