In-tray looking full for new owner with takeover close

THE American businessman Chris Kirchner remains on course to seal a takeover of Derby County.

Kirchner took a major step toward a deal when he announced on social media late on Monday night that he has exchanged contracts with the Rams’ administrators, Quantuma, to take over at Pride Park.

The deal is being targeted for completion at the end of May, and is still dependent on the sale of Pride Park Stadium, which is owned by Mel Morris, who put Derby into administration in September.

Still, this is a major step forward for Kirchner who is set to acquire a stricken club with most of its firstteam squad out of contract at the end of June and reeling from relegation to League One after a grim campaign of points deductions.

Here, we look at the big issues awaiting Kirchner:

■■The big contract problem

Derby’s contract situation is well documented, with only five players currently on deals beyond the end of the summer.

The restrictions on the Rams have already cost them 19-year-old Festy Ebosele, who has signed a pre-contract agreement with Italian club Udinese.

Kirchner knows he has a major rebuilding job on his hands if the players who are out of contract at the end of the season do not stay on.

Derby will have to work alongside the EFL with an agreed business plan and rebuilding relations with the League will be key, too.

■■Get back onside with supporters

Derby fans turned out in their droves to support their side against all the odds.

They will do so again next season, whatever happens, with supporters back in love with their team again despite a turbulent Championship campaign.

Running offers on season tickets and home match tickets would be a good way to endear yourself to supporters and swell the club’s coffers.

There is a fanbase looking forward to a new era and they have backed their team to the hilt this season.

■■Communication

Communication from Morris or the club was sorely lacking last summer, with the club releasing a statement apologising for the 2020-21 campaign and then going silent.

A new owner needs to communicate with the manager and supporters. There does not need to be a weekly bulletin but a regular update from the owner, or delegated to a managing director, is another good way to get onside early with fans.

Spelling out plans for the club also makes sure everyone is on the same page.

■■Convince Rooney to stay

It is no surprise that media reports are already surfacing with claims that Rooney is a target for other Championship clubs.

His appointment as the club’s permanent manager was a big talking point and it was widely accepted that a manager with experience of a relegation battle should be installed.

But he has been a breath of fresh air, and his playing style has combined pragmatism with flair.

He has also shown he can develop players, which is key for the future.