Administrators warn that crowd unrest could deter Rams bidders

Administrators Carl Jackson and Andrew Hosking of Quantuma

The administrators of Derby County have warned frustrated Rams fans that any crowd trouble or unrest at tomorrow’s (April 2) game against Preston North End could deter bidders from buying the club out of administration.

In a lengthy update, Quantuma said that discussions with interested parties are still ongoing – despite assuring fans a week ago that it was in a position to name a preferred bidder by early this week.

Quantuma said it was “disappointed by attempts by some parties to delay and undermine [the] process”.

The statement added: “These delays are beyond their control. We continue to work with those who have provided credible interest in the club and have prioritised these discussions over those who have submitted mere expressions of interest which do not adhere to the roadmap which has been sent to all interested parties.

“The joint administrators continue to take all steps necessary in order to achieve a successful outcome and would like to remind all parties who have an interest in Derby County Football Club that the EFL have made it clear that any offer the joint administrators accept must satisfy football creditors in full in order to even consider the golden share transfer. The quantum of credible bids therefore needs to have a certain level of gravitas and financial viability in order to satisfy the requirements of the EFL insolvency policy.”

Quantuma said it understood supporters’ concern over the future of Derby County, and added: “We also have to recognise that whilst supporters are an extremely important stakeholder, our obligations towards other key stakeholders are equally important at this juncture. We would therefore ask that supporters appreciate and respect that the needs of those other key stakeholders which include parties such as creditors, bidders and credible interested parties, HMRC and the EFL need to be aligned with the common goal of ensuring the survival of the Football Club.

“We are aware of movements on social media calling for fans to take decisive action at the Club’s next game against Preston North End on Saturday, and as such serious concerns about crowd safety have been raised. In the event of unrest at the game, which may lead to the game being called off or being abandoned, supporters must be aware that this could severely compromise the Club’s ability to complete its fixtures for the season, which would lead to EFL penalties, neither of which would not be looked upon favourably by bidders.”

The joint administrators also warned against personal abuse and breaking the law. The statement concluded: “In what has been an incredibly challenging period for everyone connected with Derby County Football Club – for its players, staff members and supporters – and with emotions running high it should be noted that personal abuse, threats and public incitement that potentially break criminal or civil law are not acceptable. Any individual subject to this will be offered Quantuma and the club’s support in raising with the relevant authorities. Again, these behaviours will not be looked upon favourably by bidders.”

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close