RAMS TAKE ON FORMER CHIEF RUSH AT COURT

DERBY County have hit problems on the pitch of late – and that’s been backed up by off-the-field turmoil.

The Championship club are locked in a bitter battle with former chief executive Sam Rush, and are suing him for almost £7m in the High Court.

Details of the claim against Rush – who was dismissed last year for gross misconduct – have been laid out for the first time in the club’s annual financial report.

The matter is being investigated by the FA and it is understood club officials have also taken their concerns to the police.

Derby are pursuing Rush in a civil action at the High Court. However, he has a counter-claim of about £2m for breach of contract and what the report describes as 'an alleged five per cent shareholding', which it is understood the lawyer received for his role in Mel Morris's takeover of the club in 2015.

Last month Rush won a case against the club for unfair dismissal.

He has issued a statement via his representatives, saying: “Sam Rush was unfairly dismissed, when he was fired by Derby County, an Employment Tribunal Judge has ruled. Mr Rush had no power to sign off any payments at the club, with all payments being signed and authorised by the Finance Director.

“Mr Rush strongly denies any wrongdoing in any shape or form and is very disappointed and saddened the club have chosen to pursue these entirely unfounded allegations.”