Three or four may be in frame to buy
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, although the club has lodged an appeal against the punishment.
Here, Derby Telegraph chief football writer Steve Nicholson answers fans’ key questions on the Rams:
■■Sachin Gill: Any more news on potential takeover happening?
The search for a buyer is continuing, Sachin, and the noises coming from the administrators remain positive that a buyer will be found but it is impossible to put a timescale on such matters. The administrators said from the first day that the objective is to achieve a successful restructure within three months but there were no guarantees.
■■Jack Couchman: Has there been any update on matters with HMRC? That feels like the biggest stumbling at the minute (I know there are so many!)
There has been no update made publicly, Jack, but I would imagine discussions are ongoing.
■■David Taylor: On what basis are the admin team appealing the 12 points?
The administrators have not said on what basis but it appears to be the club is arguing the situation was caused by the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and therefore the points deduction should not apply.
■■Ian Victor Holland: How many realistic potential owners are in the running?
There has been plenty of interest, as the administrators have said, and it has been reported that a number of parties from both the UK and abroad have already shown proof of funds.
It has also been reported that four non-disclosure agreements are in place, while others are close to being signed. That suggests serious interest, although an NDA is not a guarantee a deal will be completed but does means that talks are at a stage where no details can be discussed about a potential takeover.
I understand talks are ongoing with three or four parties, and some of the names are out there and some are not.
■■DSGDerby: What has happened to Bobby Duncan? Is he still at Derby?
He is still under contract to Derby but he is not figuring in the U23s.
He trained with Plymouth Argyle ahead of the transfer window closing. It was with a view to a possible loan move but that was called off.
It is believed the League One club wanted to take the 20-year-old on loan until January but the Rams were looking at a season-long deal.
He joined the Rams on a threeyear deal in September 2020 but his future would appear to lie elsewhere.
■■Jared Bestwick: How successful do you think Derby will be in their appeal to the EFL over receiving the 12-point deduction due to administration?
That is now in the hands of an independent arbitration panel who will consider representations from both parties before making a determination.
Wigan Athletic were unsuccessful in their attempt and so it will be interesting to see the outcome of this appeal. Derby must feel they have a good case.
What I will say is the appeal needs to be sorted as quickly as possible because we don’t want another drawn-out saga.
■■N @NigelP54: Are the administrators obliged to accept the highest offer, in order to obtain the most money for creditors?
Good question, Nigel, and I am not expert enough on administration to answer that. I would imagine it is about finding the right fit to buy the club and move it forward.
■■Joel Raynor: Any update on the points deduction for financial breaches?
No, Joel. The appeal of the 12 points for going into administration appears to have jumped above this.
Again, an agreement on the final total of the points’ penalty is needed urgently so everyone – players, manager, fans and potential buyers – know exactly the situation and the task ahead.
■■Jonny Munz: Any news when Krystian Bielik will be back playing?
The timescale has always been towards the end of the year.
Here is what Rams manager Wayne Rooney said about Krystian Bielik’s progress: “Positive news on Krystian, who will join in part of the sessions with us after the international break, which is really going to plan.
“Then, obviously, it is going to take a while to build himself up and get his confidence back after his injury but it will be nice to have him part of the non-contact sessions with us, and for himself also to be back among the group.”
■■Roy Oldershaw: If we get new owners by the next transfer window is the embargo lifted or still in place?
I stand to be corrected on this but I don’t think the embargo would be lifted completely but I think Derby would be able to sign free transfers on short-term deals and loan players, similar to the summer.