There is a real concern that Championship club Derby County will go into liquidation following the conclusion of this campaign with no revenue able to be generated via ticket sales, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.
The Rams’ takeover process is currently at a crucial stage with preferred bidder Chris Kirchner’s period of exclusivity ending on Saturday, though it was reported earlier this afternoon by journalist John Percy that progress had been made in the US businessman’s quest to take control of the second-tier side.
However, both Percy and Dorsett have reported that Pride Park remains a key sticking point with a deal yet to be reached for the stadium, the “last hurdle” in negotiations to complete this takeover according to Kirchner himself.
He announced that his potential takeover wouldn’t happen if Mel Morris was to own Pride Park still, a real concern with time running out to seal a deal before the East Midlands outfit run out of cash.
With no owner in place and the club still in administration at this stage, the club has been reliant on ticket sales from loyal supporters, a source of revenue that will be cut off when the season ends with their final home game of the campaign coming up this Saturday.
And this is why there are concerns about the Rams potentially liquidating after the season comes to an end, something that would be a real shock with a preferred bidder in place since the early stages of April.
Dorsett has also reported that Kirchner is adamant to buy the stadium to provide an extra layer of security, though most areas have been addressed in this takeover process in a positive bit of news.
The Verdict:
Most areas have been addressed and this is why Derby supporters need to remain optimistic in this situation – because that’s all they can do considering they can do little to help the process at this stage.
Their loyal support through ticket sales has helped to keep the club afloat up until this stage and their support has been nothing short of magnificent this season, so they have done their bit.
Now is it time for others including Morris to step up to the plate – because he could be key to ensuring a breakthrough can be achieved in terms of the stadium. This is the least he can do considering he was the man that put the club in its current situation in the first place.
