Former Newcastle United chief Mike Ashley could find his way back into football ownership after the controversial figure put his name forward as an option to salvage a financially foundering Derby County.
As reported by the Telegraph’s John Percy, Ashley is ‘ready and willing’ to step into the breach to rescue the midlands club from liquidation.
Exclusive: Mike Ashley ready to rescue crisis club Derby County #DCFC
Former Newcastle owner determined to act after being contacted by adminstrators in wake of failed Kirchner deal – but wants exclusivity | @JPercyTelegraph https://t.co/2D09qFJnOd
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) June 11, 2022
This comes in the wake of a failed bid by Chris Kirchner, who was in line to take over ownership of Derby but missed the proposed deadline set by the EFL where he had to prove there were enough funds available to complete his takeover bid at Pride Park.
Now, the crisis at Derby continues but Ashley could swoop into the rescue after being contacted by the club’s administrators, but it is reported that the former Newcastle head will want exclusivity if any proposed takeover bid from his camp is to go ahead.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Wayne Rooney, Manager of Derby County reacts to defeat after the Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers and Derby County at The Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on April 18, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Under current manager Wayne Rooney, Derby fought tooth and nail during the 2021-22 Championship campaign to avoid the drop down to League One after a series of sanctions saddled the club with a combined 21-point deduction for entering administration as well as known financial irregularities.
Despite posting a 14-13-19 record which would have netted Derby a 55-point haul good enough to finish comfortably outside of the bottom three and in seventeenth place, the Rams have dropped down another tier in English football while facing the prospect of further struggles should legitimate ownership not be attained before the beginning of the season.
Though Ashley undoubtedly would have the financial strength to take the club under his wing, his track record as Newcastle owner undoubtedly leaves him found wanting, and though the security of the club’s books could be guaranteed, there is no telling if he would have learned valuable lessons during his time on the Tyneside throne.
