Wayne Rooney’s Derby County could be hit with another 15-point deduction next season even if they drop down to League One.
Derby County could be hit with yet another points deduction – this time, next season(Getty Images)
Derby County have already been hit with two separate deductions totalling 21 points and fresh punishments could be on the way, depending on how off-field matters progress
The Rams have been hit with crisis in administration since last September and two separate handicaps have seen them take 21-point deduction this season.
Administrators Quantuma hope to pick a bidder to purchase the club before a meeting with the EFL early next week, in which they hope to get the green light to complete the campaign.
But a report in The Sun claims that the size of the offers coming in is raising concerns.
It is to do with how much Derby will be able to offer creditors once a takeover goes through.
Under the plan, football creditors — such as Arsenal — will be paid in full for transfer fees.
The Rams are only be able to offer less than the standard 25 per cent amount on their bill that is running close to £28 million – then plead that this is the only way they can survive.
HMRC might need to accept that because the alternative is liquidation and the loss of future tax revenue.
If this is rejected, then Derby will be hit with a further 15-POINT penalty next season whether they are in the Championship or League One.
Derby Manager Wayne Rooney ready to fight till the end (Getty Images)
Derby manager Wayne Rooney, who has won plenty of plaudits this term for his management of a hugely difficult situation, gave a brief update on the takeover saga on Friday.
When asked directly if there was any progress on the takeover front he bluntly replied: “Nothing.
“I haven’t spoken to the administrators since the game (versus Millwall), so I have had no updates.
“I don’t know whether there is a bid or not, I don’t know. Unfortunately I can’t give you any update on that.
“(But) It needs sorting out, and sorting out quick.
“We have got seven players’ contracts up at the end of the season, so we have got no squad. You need to plan to bring players in and it is a very tough job at the minute.
“I am sure the administrators are working on it and trying to get the right people in.”
Why were Derby deducted 21 points?
Derby were initially hit with a 12-point deduction in September 2021 for entering administration, with that punishment dropping them immediately to the foot of the Championship table.
Things then went from bad to worse for the Wayne Rooney’s side when a further nine-point penalty, plus a further suspended three points, was handed out in November.
Derby were left paying the price for historical financial mismanagement that occurred during Mel Morris’ time as owner.
Mel Morris sold Pride Park to one of his own companies for £81 million ($110m) before immediately leasing it back to the club which however breaches the English Football League’s profitability and sustainability rules
“This has been a difficult matter to navigate bearing in mind the various issues concerned. Carl Jackson from Derby’s administrators, Quantuma said during the 21-point deduction.
“While point deductions are never ideal for any club, it was critical to the club’s future that all matters were concluded between the EFL and the club in relation to historical issues.
“This conclusion allows us to proceed with our restructuring strategy for the club with prospective interested parties.”
Derby must now find a buyer this year – one willing to pay creditors at least 25 per cent of what they are owed – in order to avoid a further 15-point penalty.
Rooney’s side have given themselves a fighting chance of survival this term but results in recent weeks have seen the gap to safety increase.
Championship second-half Table & Standings. Can Derby escape relegation?
Derby are now eight points adrift of fourth-bottom in the Championship, with just 12 games of the season left to play.