Fans air concerns over Rams future
THERE is plenty happening on and off the field at Derby County.
The club is in administration and a 12-point deduction has seen the team drop to the bottom of the Championship on minus two points.
Chief football writer Steve Nicholson has been answering fans’ key questions on the Rams.
Lewis asks: Do you expect us to get more points deducted?
SN: I do, Lewis, because of the ongoing dispute with the EFL. All the speculation is about a further nine points, but we will have to wait and see.
BK asks: When will we be in a position to sign any players, free agents or loans? Do we have to get rid before we can add to the squad?
SN: The transfer embargo remains in place and of course the transfer window does not open until January.
Derby would be able to sign free agents if the embargo is relaxed or lifted between now and then, but not loan players because that cannot happen outside a window.
Wayne Rooney has said he wants to add to his squad and not lose players in January, if the club can emerge from administration by then.
James Daykin asks: What will your take on the Mel Morris years ultimately be?
SN: A mixed bag, James, but that is not unusual in football, which brings so many ups and downs and differing fortunes.
Nathan Pearson asks: With Roos now out will David Marshall be considered? If not is this due to more money being owed to either player or club based on appearance?
SN: David Marshall was a free transfer from Wigan Athletic, so it is my understanding that there are no instalments to be paid on appearances. That is the information I have received.
Anthony Shaw asks: Do you know who some of the interested parties are?
SN: The administrators said last week there is a “considerable” amount of interest in the club from potential buyers and further reports over the weekend suggested there are “seven or eight credible expressions of interest” in rescuing the club.
I am aware of some of the individuals who might be involved with interested parties, but not all of them.
Steve Thomas asks: Who owns the training ground? Is it Mel or DCFC?
SN: The administrators were asked this question last week. Here’s what they said:
“Pride Park, the stadium, is not owned by the football club, so what the football club has is a lease, effectively, and we have effectively a verbal agreement with the landlord that we will be able to continue to effectively be there and run football matches there.
“We are confident that’s fine but, to be clear, the football stadium is not an asset of the football club or an asset which is under our control.
“As far as the training ground is concerned, there is a effectively a long lease which the company has and we plan to continue with that. So, as far as the facilities are concerned, we’re confident we have use of those and it won’t impair our ability to continue to trade and find a buyer.”
Russell Mosley asks: Do you think we will appeal against the 12 points after the EFL said we could?
SN: I would be surprised if Derby did appeal against what is an automatic penalty for going into administration, Russell.
Ben Lavender asks: There is a ruling that any admin points deduction due to a “force majeure” or “Covid” as Mel has so often put it, could be appealed. Do you think it has any legs?
SN: I would be surprised. There is no indication of an appeal, as yet.
GC asks: Why is Andre Wisdom still training at the club and not looking to play football elsewhere? Are we paying him?
SN: I understand he is not currently training with the squad. He was while the transfer window was open in order to build and maintain his fitness.
Steve King asks: What’s the situation with Darren Wassall?
SN: He is still at the club as Academy Director, as it says on the club’s website.
Paul Brookes asks: The administrators said if we have new owners then they could strengthen squad in January. Thought administration came with a two-year transfer embargo?
SN: I’m not totally sure, Paul, but does that not happen if new owners purchase the club. I stand to be corrected on that.