Rams board told to ‘front up’ to fans

SUPPORTERS GROUP SENDS LETTER AS OFF-THE-FIELD PROBLEMS CONTINUE

DERBY County’s directors have been told to “front up” to supporters and answer serious questions over the club’s financial situation as their off-field problems continue to mount.

In a letter seen by the Derby Telegraph and sent to owner Mel Morris and the rest of the board, supporters’ group Ramstrust is seeking clarity in a bid to alleviate growing concern among the fanbase.

Derby are still operating under a transfer embargo, while the club remains unsold following two failed takeover attempts.

And last week a fifth charge was added to the Rams’ alleged misdemeanours by the Football League as reasons for the embargo which claimed they had breached regulation 51.2.3 – missing payment of transfer fee instalments.

Ramstrust has now sent another letter voicing their concerns, which comes six weeks after their previous correspondence and claims decreasing attendances reflects the mood of the supporters.

It reads: “It has now been six weeks since our last letter, and five weeks since a supporters group meeting where those present were not able to share what was discussed.

“Supporters are increasingly concerned that there has been no further communication from the club while the transfer window has closed and various media stories have been published regarding further punishments and charges from the EFL.

“This failure to communicate has further increased concern among supporters, especially now the opportunity to strengthen the playing squad has gone.

“The decrease in attendances at Pride Park is indicative of supporters’ disillusionment and while the atmosphere has been positive so far, there is an increasing risk that this can change quickly without the club engaging with fans.

“While we understand the club cannot reveal confidential details that impact ongoing takeover talks, the feeling from a growing section of supporters is that the club is using the excuse that it cannot discuss ‘some’ things to avoid saying ‘anything’ and thereby avoiding scrutiny.

“Football clubs are not simply another business with ‘stakeholders.’ Derby County provides our city with an identity.

“The club is an intrinsic part of our community. Derby County is a part of the lives of so many people in Derbyshire. You took on the great honour and responsibility to be custodian of our football club.

“We ask you to front up with fans and answer the following questions that concern the continued viability of the club.

“We believe these questions can be answered regardless of takeover talks. We would therefore again ask for a public response to the following questions:

Are the directors able to confirm that there is funding in place to ensure the club can complete the season?

Can you confirm that all outstanding debts to HMRC will be covered, so there is no danger of administration before the end of the season?

Can you confirm why the EFL has now added an additional charge for failure to pay outstanding transfer fees - and when this will be resolved?

“We understand that further information on the takeover can’t be given until a deal is agreed with credible investors but we would still urge the club to keep supporters informed as much as possible. Supporters need assurance that there is light at the end of this tunnel.”

Derby owner Morris is under increasing pressure to sell the Rams, who have made an encouraging start to the Championship season despite the restrictions facing boss Wayne Rooney.

A proposed deal to sell the club to Sheikh Khaled Zayed Bin Saquer Zayed Al Nayhan’s Derventio Holdings (UK) Limited fell apart earlier this year, likewise a deal involving Spanish businessman Erik Alonso.

An American consortium is the latest group to be linked with the club, but the identities of those involved remain unknown.