Rams boss puts rumours to bed

'Read my lips - there has been no fall out with Peter Gadsby or anyone else at Derby County.' That was the blunt message from Rams boss Billy Davies as he fronted his first media conference since a national tabloid published the 'bust up' claims.

The Rams board have taken the unusual steps of banning the tabloid newspaper involved from press conferences until further notice, and the article is now the subject of litigation.

Davies added: "It's no surprise to me. We had the same situation this time last year, but I am happy to confirm what my legal adviser told media yesterday - there ain't no fall out with Peter Gadsby or Trevor Birch."

Davies who has had to endure the gutter press reports over the past week let fly at the media conference and finally but the rumours to bed.

He said: 'I have had a fantastic relationship with the Chairman from the day I came here. I have signed a new contract and was delighted to do that. We all know the nature of this business - when you don't win a number of games there are always questions asked, but I'm very comfortable. I'm very much looking forward to the remainder of my contract and the huge challenge ahead.

'The Board came to me - I didn't go to them and we were both delighted to sign that contract and we are hopefully looking forward to a long relationship together, end of story."

The Scotsman knew the season would be difficult but he will roll up his sleeves and get on with the job. He added: 'These reports are par for the course and come with the territory. A lot of hard work has been achieved at this club and we are a couple of years ahead of schedule. We knew the start would be very difficult and that's why most pundits recognised we were in for a difficult season."

When the questions about his so called problems finished he was delighted to talk about the squad he had assembled at Pride Park, and he was asked if he got the squad he wanted.

Davies said: "Every manager would say 'no' to that question. Ideally we would have liked more firepower but we know the position and the money we have to spend and we will do the best we can with what we have got. Whatever the situation, I will always do the best with the people I have available."

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

Join the Vital Fantasy Football League - its Free!