‘Never a doubt’ new owner would be found
WAYNE Rooney has no doubts the administrators will find a buyer for Derby County.
The club went into administration three weeks ago, with Andrew Hosking and Carl Jackson of business advisory firm Quantuma appointed joint administrators.
There are several parties interested in buying the club and reports suggest the number of signed nondisclosure agreements has risen from four to seven.
American private investment firm Carlisle Capital are reportedly one of them, while former Rams chairman Andy Appleby is another who has been credited with interest.
Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, former Ipswich Town owner Marcus Evans and Azerbaijani businessman Nasib Piriyev, who fronts investment vehicle PAI Capital, were also linked with the Rams at the weekend, although the administrators says there has been no contact with Ashley.
Rooney was asked about the number of serious bidders for the club at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Championship clash at Preston North End (3pm).
“I was never in doubt that there would be people coming forward to buy the club. It is a massive football club with a great fanbase,” Rooney said.
“The administrators have confirmed to myself that there are a lot of parties interested and things are moving forward slowly. Hopefully, we can get someone in as soon as possible.
“That will happen. The sooner the better, obviously, but there is no doubt in my mind that will happen.”
Asked if he felt Ashley was somebody who could potentially do something really good for Derby, Rooney added: “I don’t know, I don’t know him personally.
“It is not my job to go and find the owners of this club. I know the administrators are working very hard to get the right person in and I think it is important that it’s the right person because what we don’t want is to be put in this position again.”
Rooney was asked if he, as manager, would want to meet any of the potential buyers before a deal is completed.
“I think that is what normally happens,” he said.
“I think it is important for myself, but not just myself, the players as well, to meet new owners because we would be working for them and so it is important they get to know not just myself and the staff but also the players and the rest of the staff around the football club.”
Rooney said the administrators were keeping him “in the loop”.
He added: “Whether that is face to face or over the phone, I am in the loop to pass messages to the staff and the players. I think that is way the relationship should work.”
The administrators have lodged an appeal against the Rams’ 12-point penalty.
“They have gone through everything and it is something they feel they have got a genuine chance of getting overturned. They have lodged the appeal and we wait to see what happens,” said Rooney.