As fans continue to voice their dissatisfaction at low investment, the manager and performances on the pitch, one of the clubs wealthiest fans has begun to play his hand and in turn increase the pressure on GSE.

It seems that former Rams saviour Peter Gadsby is once again interested in buying either shares or the whole of DCFC. His statement regarding his intentions released on Monday brought a swift response from the club, who were adamant that they have no intention of selling the club to Gadsby or anyone else.

The media release from Peter Gadsby read as follows:

“In response to approaches from the media and intense speculation among supporters, I feel obliged to confirm that approximately 10 days ago my representatives approached Andrew Appleby, the chairman of Derby County and of General Sports Derby Partners, with a renewed offer to purchase the share capital of the club.” 

“This reflected my belief that there is an increasingly urgent need for investment in the club and, as with my previous offer, it contained a firm commitment for the immediate provision of substantial funds for the acquisition of new players.” 

“I was notified last week by Mr Appleby’s advisors that the club was ‘not for sale at this time’ but my interest in returning Derby County to ambitious local ownership remains ongoing and it is my hope that further dialogue towards this outcome will be possible.”

In quick fire fashion the club managed to shoot out a reply to this new development. Cynical I may be, but it would have been nice to have seen such swiftness in dealing with comments on both the Cywka issue last week and rumours over Nigel Clough’s future over the weekend.

But I suppose when something endangers your status as the 'only owners in the village', you need to protect your patch – pass them a Bacardi and Coke Mafanwy! (Sorry - that will be lost on any non-Little Britain fans)

DCFC fired back their response, complete with a complimentary swipe across the bow for Mr. Gadsby:

“Derby County would like to clarify its understanding on the statement made by Mr Peter Gadsby. Mr Gadsby has not, as is being reported, made an offer to buy the club.” 

“The ownership group can confirm it recently received a letter from a third party, acting as a representative of Mr Gadsby. There was no offer made in this letter." 

“In addition, this letter did not specify how Mr Gadsby intends to involve himself with the club."

"The club’s ownership group has responded in writing and has had no subsequent contact with either Mr Gadsby or this third party, prior to today’s public comments made through the media."

“The club is disappointed but not surprised that Mr Gadsby has yet again chosen to conduct his affairs through the press." 

“The ownership group remains committed to the club and will not deviate from the strategy that has put Derby County on a sound financial footing for the first time in many years.”

It seems GSE are already on the attack against a possible Gadsby buy out and see him as mischievous in both actions and timing. Peter Gadsby on the other hand, is a successful businessman and after a failed attempt to purchase the club last year, he has perhaps been biding his time to make another attempt when his chance of success would be increased.

After close to 300 fans reportedly protested with banners for well over half an hour after the match, fan unrest is slowly growing. This will only swell if results on the pitch suffer and playing stocks are not improved very soon.

Rumours of signing the likes Jamie Ward from a team below the Rams on the table will do little to help that situation.

Peter Gadsby may have timed his run to perfection with the club teetering on a precipice that could include significant loss of income in dwindling attendances, season ticket renewals and the unthinkable… relegation.

With fans unsure what to believe, what to do and how they can make a difference, a man with a plan (even if we don’t know what it is yet) could be seen as the answer by disillusioned fans.

Before the media release battle broke out yesterday, the club had issued another statement regarding their intention to continue on their current course and reiterating their commitment to the future of DCFC.

Interestingly it was sent out as the words of a Club Spokesman when surely for such an important statement, someone at the helm should have made sure their name was attached to it:

"We acknowledge the frustration and anger of some of the supporters. We understand they want to see the team and the club performing better. We know they are expressing these frustrations because they care passionately about Derby County, so do we." 

"The best way to make everybody feel better is to win more matches. The supporters want to see a winning team and it is our job to give them one. We have a clear plan how we are going to run the club, we believe in this plan and we are sticking to it.” 

"We believe this plan gives Derby County the best chance of a stable and successful future even if we are currently experiencing some short-term pain.” 

"The ownership group remains committed to this club and will not deviate from the strategy which has put this club on a sound financial footing for the first time in decades."

Now we can only wait and see how the situation plays out. The cracks are widening and something has to break sooner or later if things are left continue in the present fashion.

The one person who should be pleased is Nigel Clough, as it has shifted the focus off him slightly for a moment. Another loss or two will change that focus very quickly; the threat of ‘the drop’ could be enough to see fans voice their frustration in far greater numbers.

If that happens, Peter Gadsby may just need to sit and wait but as a Rams fan too, he would not want Derby to come to close to the possibility of relegation. None of us would do (I would hope so anyway!).

Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, no matter who is at the helm - because if it were to happen, the current turmoil will look like a 5 year old's tea party in comparison to what would come next.

Become a fan of the RamZone Facebook page by following the link below.

RamZone - Facebook

Every time we add a news story, column, report or any other Rams-related article then as our friend on Facebook, you will receive an instant update.

RamZone - The oldest independent Derby County site on the net!

By the Fans - For the Fans!

Photo: Action Images

Queens Park Rangers Polls