Derby back in financial crisis as old owner Mel Morris refuses to lower £20million Pride Park asking price
DERBY are in back crisis with former owner Mel Morris holding out for £20million to sell Pride Park.
Morris is refusing to drop his asking price, which is more than the local council are willing to pay, and puts a rescue package by American Chris Kirchner in severe doubt.
Kirchner has agreed a deal to take the Rams out of administration for around £25million and been given the green light by the EFL subject to finding a home ground.
Morris has to sign up for that agreement with the council who would lease Pride Park to Kirchner.
But there is nothing close to being sorted as the money runs out at Wayne Rooney’s club.
And in a further twist Morris will not agree to write off personal loans he has in the club without an agreement on the stadium.
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So that stops Kirchner buying the club and hunting for a new place to play.
Morris is worried that Kirchner takes Derby to another ground, with Stoke and Leicester potential homes he is exploring.
That would leave him with an empty Pride Park and a debt of around £20 million to pay to American financiers MSD Holdings which is attached to the ground.
It is even more alarming for the club as they may not have the cash to pay the wages this month and that could lead to far worse difficulties.
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Mike Ashley is waiting in the wings but is also unlikely to pick up the tab to come out of administration AND buy the ground at Morris’ valuation, leaving a dire danger of liquidation.
Player sales could raise cash to cover wages with Tottenham and Leeds said to be keen on Rams youngster Malcolm Ebiowei.