EFL say no Covid loan request

THE English Football League have said Derby County did not apply to use the League’s “Covid loans” lending facility this summer.

As a result of the ongoing pandemic, an external loan facility was arranged by the EFL that enabled all 72 member clubs to apply for lending over the summer.

Key to any application being approved was the club being able to provide evidence that they could prove the ability to repay the loan.

It is noted by the EFL that this is one area where the Rams were lacking but they also state that, under former owner Mel Morris, the process did not even get that far.

When asked by supporters’ body RamsTrust whether the EFL had denied Derby access to use the Covid loans facility, the EFL were conclusive in their response.

“No,” they said. “Derby County did not apply for the loan by the initial application date.

“Via the lending facility, there was an extended application period through until 31 July.

“They still did not apply and on 28 July they sought a further extension which the EFL couldn’t deliver as the external facility required the repayment of all remaining funds prior to 31 July 2021.

“In addition, the club was still not a position to provide evidence as to its ability to repay the loan.”