Derby accept American businessman Chris Kirchner’s bid to buy club in huge boost to Rooney’s Championship strugglers
AMERICAN businessman Chris Kirchner's bid to buy Derby County has been ACCEPTED by administrators.
Kirchner appeared to be out of the race to buy Derby around Christmas when he withdrew his offer and turned his attention towards Preston North End.
But talks with Preston broke down last week and he has now been named as the preferred bidder for Derby.
A statement from Derby's joint administrators read: "Following a rigorous and well-documented marketing process, the joint administrators of Derby County Football Club have accepted an offer from Chris Kirchner to acquire Derby County Football Club out of administration.
"This follows receipt of his recent bid for the club.
"The bid is for the purchase of the football club only with the terms of the club's ongoing occupation of Pride Park stadium to be negotiated with external stakeholders.
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"Mr Kirchner had initially expressed an interest in acquiring the club in late 2021, and the joint administrators have welcomed Mr Kirchner's renewed interest.
"Discussions have taken place with key stakeholders, and Mr Kirchner has been named as the preferred bidder for the club, with immediate effect.
"The joint administrators have entered into a period of exclusivity with Mr Kirchner and his advisers, during which further operational, commercial and contractual discussions will take place."
The latest news will come as a boost to boss Wayne Rooney.
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Under Rooney's leadership, Derby have overcome a 21-point deduction and are NINE points off 21st place Reading with six games to go.
Rooney may also be given the assurances he has been looking for.
He said: "I’ll finish the season and then I have to consider how the club and I move forward.
"The only way to do that is to get a new owner in place at the club.
“I love the club, the fans and the staff and I want it to continue, but there has to be something in place so I can do my job.
"If I can’t then I wouldn’t be doing myself or the fans justice.
“I don’t know where the club is going - or if it’ll be here next season, so I don’t know what the future is for the club or me.
“I need assurances - I’m committed but commitment has to work both ways.
“I know the administrators are trying their hardest but there comes a point where the job is almost impossible.
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“We need a preferred bidder. It has to happen now.
"You can’t pluck things from thin air. We’ll need players, staff, training pitches, kit for next season.”