Chairmen Insist Derby Are Not For Sale

Derby chairman Andy Appleby and chairman of football Adam Pearson have both insisted that the club are not for sale.

Further reports on Sunday, following those from a few weeks back, claimed that Derby were about to be taken over by a Saudi Arabian family but Appleby has reacted to these to insist that he remains fully committed to the club and it isn't for sale.

'We have not talked to this specific group - we do not know who they are - and we have no intention of selling the club.

'We feel we have found a diamond in the rough with Derby County and we are working 24/7 to make the club great again.

'We took on a lot of challenges and still face a lot of challenges to get the club back to where everybody wants it to be.

'It is a fantastic challenge and we want to reward the fans who we believe are the best in the UK.

'We have not had the success so far that we would like but the group of investors remain extremely positive and determined.

'Not only is this advance unwelcome but I just don`t understand it. What is a "hostile" takeover of a private company? It is not as though they can buy up our stock.'

Appleby was talking to the Evening Telegraph from Michigan.

Part of the weekend report said that the Arabs had told Derby not to appoint a new boss until they had taken control of the club, again something strong apposed.

'I find it bizarre that they can place a quote like that when they have had no contact with the football club.

'It also shows a complete lack of understanding of the English game.

'GSE and myself will continue with the recruitment of a manager and we are looking to make an appointment in the next 10 days.

'We are obviously disappointed they have decided to put an article in a newspaper when we have received no formal approach from the family or any individual.

'The way it has been done is very disappointing. It is a discourteous way to do business. Attempts to destabilise the club through the press is unwelcome and unprofessional.

'The club is not for sale.'

Pearson was talking to the Evening Telegraph.

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