Chris Kirchner, a US businessman, has pulled out of purchasing Derby County following an inability to agree to a deal.
Derby is in a precarious position due to Mel Morris placing the club in administration in October. It was thought Kirchner, who has watched Derby play at Pride Park, was the likely choice to take over the reins.
Chris Kirchner Pulls Out of Purchasing Derby County
Kirchner Statement
Chris Kirchner said on Twitter: “It is with real sadness that I can confirm I am withdrawing from the process to buy Derby County Football Club. First and foremost, I would like to apologize to the fans. As you know, I’ve been in talks with the administrators for about two months.
“Two weeks ago, I made a formal offer to buy the club. I believe I presented a very detailed, generous and ambitious long-term sustainable business plan. It included purchasing the stadium, future funding and maintaining the academy’s status. We improved that offer further today.
“I wanted to agree a deal that I thought was in the best interests of all parties but, unfortunately, the last 24 hours has proven that just isn’t possible. So it is with deep regret that I must now stand aside and let the administrators pursue their own course.
“As I did when I entered the process, I want to be transparent in this process and communicate to the fans first and directly. I’m just very sorry it’s not better news. I wish all Derby supporters and everyone at the club all the best for the future.”
He added: “My team and I are going to move forward into club ownership as was our goal when we set out and are moving forward.”
Preferred Bidders News ‘Imminent’
However, despite Kirchner pulling out of a deal, Derby County’s administrators have dismissed his concerns and believe a preferred bidder will be ‘imminent’ soon.
“[We] would like to put on record we disagree with much that has been said. Whilst yesterday was difficult, it provided stimulus to one of remaining bidders who increased his offer for club,” they said. “We expect to name preferred bidder status imminently.”
Originally it was hoped that a preferred bidder was made known before Christmas following three separate bids being submitted. However, the administrators were unable to meet this figurative deadline.
Carl Jackson, an administrator, said: “The joint administrators continue to have positive and fruitful discussions and negotiations with interested parties but these are complex and require input and decisions from other stakeholders.
“Despite our best intentions, it is now unlikely any announcement will be made pre-Christmas as to the preferred bidder. As soon as we are able to name the preferred bidder then we will do so.
“We understand and respect the frustrations of all involved in Derby County Football Club and in particular the supporters, that quicker progress has not been made but we want to reassure all those stakeholders that we are trying to go as quickly as possible.”
Nevertheless, the administrators latest statement will bring hope that Derby’s administration is finally coming to a close and the club can move forward in a stable manner.
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