DERBY COUNTY players have been left ‘extremely concerned’ after Chris Kirchner’s takeover of the club fell through.
The American failed to meet the deadline for rescuing the club, with proof of funds needing to be submitted by Friday at 5pm.
Chris Kirchner failed to meet the deadline
Administrators have asked for clarification on how the club will now get out of administration, with discussion beginning with other potential buyers.
One of these is Mike Ashley, who is keen to get back into the game following his sale of Newcastle United.
The Sports Direct tycoon has written to administrators confirming his “remains interested” in buying the club.
A letter from his lawyers highlights: “We note with pre-season rapidly approaching, time is running out.”
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For now, Kirchner’s failure to provide proof of funds – despite being named preferred bidder in April – has left real worry around those at Pride Park.
Former Rams man Curtis Davies told Talksport that his contacts at the club have expressed their worry at the situation and its future.
He said: “I’ve spoken to a couple of players and it’s the same message. We’re getting most of our information from social media and news outlets and we’re all waiting to see what’s happening.
“Ultimately when you see reports like this [the 5pm Friday deadline], it doesn’t look positive for the current takeover.”
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Davies added: “I’m extremely concerned because if you’re a fan sitting at home and you’re reading the reports and you hear that a player is reading those same reports to get his information, then you’d have to be worried.
“You’d be silly not to be worried.
Sky Sports claimed if the US businessman’s purchase did not go through, there was a serious chance the club would liquidate.
The issues could mean trouble for Derby in terms of keeping hold of their manager, Wayne Rooney.
The England legend had originally claimed he would only remain at the club if Kirchner’s move for the club was successful.
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The Rams’ inability to offer new contracts to those at the club have seen them with just five first-team players on their books, with no defenders or a goalkeeper.
Derby were relegated from the Championship last season following a hefty points deduction due to their financial woes.
