A group seeking to work with the EFL and administrators to save Derby County say they are disheartened by the league’s latest position.
‘Team Derby’, made up of MPs, council leaders and business stakeholders, have been attempting to broker an agreement that would allow the football club to come to an arrangement with creditors and secure a sale to new owners.
At a joint meeting with the EFL and administrators last week, the league agreed that the High Court would be asked to adjudicate on the issue of legal claims being mounted by Middlesbrough FC and Wycombe Wanderers against the Rams.
The administrators contend that these claims should not be treated as football debts, which the league’s rules demand would have to be paid in full as part of any rescue package.
The claims, although felt to be spurious by the administrators and their legal advisors, could run to millions of pounds if they were upheld and none of the parties currently interested in buying the club are prepared to move forward while matters are unresolved.
Despite the league’s agreement last week that the issue could be put before the High Court for determination, the EFL has now issued a statement saying that the claims must be treated as if they are football debts and cannot be crammed down as part of a restructuring plan to exit administration.
At a meeting to consider the latest developments, Team Derby concluded: “We are fast losing confidence in the process and are struggling to see how actions are matching the rhetoric of trying to save DCFC.
“Team Derby feels that the EFL’s change of position is disheartening and leaves them increasingly concerned about the future of the club and they are now demanding an urgent joint meeting with EFL representatives and the administrators and will seek separate discussions with Government through Sports Minister Nigel Huddlestone.
“Parliament has already called for all parties to show pragmatism in finding a solution to ensure Derby County’s survival. So far, we have seen little evidence of this from the EFL.
“Team Derby members are concerned that another week has gone by, and we are no nearer to a solution. The situation becomes more and more perilous by the minute.
“The EFL has repeatedly said that it does not want to see Derby County fold. Now it is time for their actions to match their words.”
