Derby takeover set for completion as stricken League One club finally secure their future

A deal to save stricken League One club Derby County is expected to be finalised on Thursday, administrators have announced.

Derby have been in financial dire straits for some time now, but a takeover by property developer David Clowes should now end the uncertainty over the club's future.

Administrators Quantuma revealed over the weekend that they had formally accepted Clowes' offer, and now it looks set to go ahead after a short delay.

"All parties involved in the sale of the club have been working very hard together since last weekend to complete this extremely complex transaction," a spokesman for Quantuma said.

"A small number of outstanding matters remain, and these matters are outside of the control of the joint administrators and Clowes Developments (UK) Limited.

"It is our expectation that these will be finalised tomorrow, Thursday June 30, allowing the transaction to complete then.

"The joint administrators would like to reassure staff, players and supporters that they are in receipt of completion monies from Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, and the outstanding issues require a short amount of additional time to be finalised."

American businessman Chris Kirchner initially appeared to be the man to save Derby, but he withdrew his offer earlier this summer after failing to provide the funds.

Clowes stepped in and has already agreed to buy Pride Park and provide the club with a loan.

However, the takeover has arrived too late to allow Derby to keep manager Wayne Rooney, who resigned last week.

"A massive thank you to all the fans, players, and staff at Derby for your support over the last three years," Rooney said after quitting.

"This has been one of the hardest decisions I've had to make in my career.

"Thanks for taking me in as one of your own. Please get behind the next manager and give them what you gave me, trust, loyalty, and unbelievable support. Some great memories I'll never forget."