Joe leaves Rams, as fans wait for takeover update
JOE Mcclaren’s departure from Derby County has been confirmed in a social media posting from a podcast hosted by his brother Josh and his father Steve.
The Burton Mail understands that Mcclaren left his position as the Rams’ head of recruitment around 10 days ago and has moved to the New Era Sports agency.
Mcclaren has been appointed as the head of football operations at New Era, where he will be tasked with identifying players the firm would like on their books, while also giving existing clients support.
He had been working at Derby since 2016, which saw him have a big role in overseeing the scouting department. However, the Rams have been unable to make new signings as a result of being plunged into administration last September.
His departure was confirmed by the Mcclaren Performance podcast, which is hosted by former Rams manager Steve and Joe’s brother Josh.
A post on Twitter read: “Joe has done a great job finding players, especially with the limitations on the club most recently. I know his choice to leave hasn’t been an easy one but he’s going to carry on doing great work in his next job. Legend!”
Derby will not be able to appoint a replacement for Mcclaren until a takeover is completed, with American businessman Chris Kirchner hoping to seal his deal for the club yesterday as the Mail went to press.
His period of exclusivity was due to expire at midnight after it was twice extended by the club’s administrators, Quantuma.
The main obstacle for Kirchner has been the club’s stadium, which is owned by former Rams chairman Mel Morris, who separated it from the football club in 2018.
Given it is not part of the administration process, any deal has to be struck independently with Morris, who is reportedly seeking £22m for the ground.
However, it has been claimed that Morris would be prepared to lease the stadium back to the Rams and negotiations have been ongoing as anxious Rams fans await a breakthrough.
Mike Ashley, the former Newcastle United owner, is reported to be monitoring developments. He is understood to be looking for a return to football after selling the Magpies and it has been reported he held negotiations with the club’s administrators in December.
However, Kirchner was named as the club’s preferred bidder by Quantuma in April.
Derby fans will be hoping for a quick resolution that will allow boss Wayne Rooney to strengthen his squad ahead of a huge summer rebuild as they prepare for life in League One next season.
THE English Football League (EFL) are reportedly planning an “overhaul” to the administration system following Derby County’s situation this season.
According to the Daily Mail, the EFL are now looking to change the system on how clubs appoint administrators.
In November, the Burton Mail reported how Quantuma “estimate their fees at £1.5m plus expenses of £1.24m, including legal costs of £1.1m”.
It is said that the EFL are now looking at a process that would see a shortlist of approved administrators presented to clubs to choose from, instead of the clubs having a free choice on who they appoint.
The report mentions the criticism Quantuma have received for their decision to launch a legal challenge against the 21-point deduction to Wayne Rooney’s side. The challenge was unsuccessful.