Derby County star ‘extremely concerned’ over takeover as defender Curtis Davies delivers truths about Chris Kirchner’s stumbling deal with US buyer given new deadline
Derby County defender Curtis Davies has told talkSPORT he is “extremely concerned” about the takeover of the club, following the latest setback in the Rams’ bid to secure their future.
The club appeared to put their problems behind them when American tycoon Chris Kirchner was named preferred bidder on April 6, before swapping contracts over the sale.
Since then, Kirchner has twice failed to complete the purchase, as its period of exclusivity was extended.
It has been revealed that a deal is due to be signed at the end of May but, with nothing agreed, it means the prospect of a deal is in serious doubt.
According to the latest news, Kirchner has been given until 5 p.m. on Friday June 6 to provide proof that he can complete the takeover.
However, the Quantuma directors have decided to “engage with other interested parties as an emergency measure”, with former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley among those waiting in the wings.
With players, club staff and supporters having little information about what is going on at their football club, Davies revealed how desperate the feeling is in the camp.
Speaking on Thursday night’s Kick Off show, he told talkSPORT: “I’ve only spoken to a few players about their situation, obviously there are so many who are out of contract that it’s is not easy to keep an eye on everyone.
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“I’ve spoken to a few players and it’s the same message.
“We get most of our information from social media and the media and we are all waiting to see what happens.
“Ultimately, when you see reports like this [the 5pm Friday deadline]this does not look positive for the current takeover.
“That’s the concern.
“It’s not just about the playing staff, it’s about the people at the training ground and the stadium people who work there as well.
“If that takeover doesn’t happen and the club is in danger of collapsing, we might not get paid in June and we footballers can worry about ourselves, but that’s the football club. in general.
“It’s not just the fact that people might not get paid, it’s people’s livelihood in terms of paying mortgages and things like that, and the fans on the other side who have an investment in the club as long as they are alive and support this club.
“It’s important to find a solution, whatever it is, as soon as possible, because it obviously drags on the whole season.
“We tried not to let it affect us, even though it’s difficult, but now it’s desperate measures.
“If we go back to Derby we’re supposed to be back on June 27, but we don’t have an owner so we don’t have a team. We only have five players under contract.
Davies added: “I’m extremely worried because if you’re a fan sitting at home and reading the reports and you hear of a player reading those same reports to get their information, then you should be worried.
“You would be foolish not to worry.
“I literally sit down and scroll through Twitter every morning and look up Derby County. That’s what I do and it’s God’s honest truth.
“I’m looking for Derby County because the big issue was the takeover was due to take place last week on Tuesday and then there was talk of a delay based on US bank holidays and English bank holidays with the Jubilee.
“It is now Thursday, a week later.”
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