Derby fans seek assurances that the Championship club will not go into administration this season

Derby fans seek assurances from the board that the troubled Championship club will not go into administration this season after takeover setback for current owner Mel Morris

  • Derby County are managed by former England captain Wayne Rooney 
  • The Rams avoided relegation from the Championship on final day of last season
  • Owner Mel Morris is determined to sell but has not been able to agree a takeover
  • The Derby Supporters’ Trust sent a strongly worded letter to the club’s directors  


Furious Derby supporters have demanded the financially-troubled club show proof they have the funds to complete the forthcoming season.

The Rams, who are managed by former England captain Wayne Rooney, avoided relegation from the Championship on the final day of the last campaign but have endured a turbulent summer, with no takeover bid close to completion and owner Mel Morris determined to sell the club.

In a letter to the directors, members of the Derby Supporters’ Trust ask: ‘Are the Directors able to confirm that there is funding in place to ensure the club can complete the forthcoming season?

Wayne Rooney’s Derby avoided relegation from the Championship on the final day last season

‘Can you confirm that all outstanding debts to HMRC can be covered, so there is no danger of administration before the end of the forthcoming season?

‘We understand negotiations are in progress for a potential takeover, but as yet there has been no application for transfer of either (stadium) Pride Park or (training ground) Moor Farm, so this cannot be completed before the season begins.

‘We understand that further information on the takeover can’t be given until a deal is agreed with credible investors, but we would urge the club to keep supporters informed as much as possible.

‘You will understand that supporters are both upset and frustrated at the continual lack of communication from the club, It is at the point where the failure to keep promises about this is now unacceptable with no respect for your customers and supporters.’

Derby faced the prospect of relegation to League One due to EFL concerns about their finances, with the governing body even publishing fixture lists featuring both Derby and Wycombe – who would have stayed up if Derby had been docked points.

 Yet the League have not pursued that course and the Rams will start the campaign in the second tier.