McClaren out, Mel Morris new Chairman

[hantsram]

So says John Percy in the Telegraph...


Former England manager will meet with Derby chief executive on Thursday with position increasingly uncertain and he could leave club in next 48 hours

Steve McClaren's future at Derby County has been plunged back into doubt as he heads for crunch talks with the club hierarchy.

McClaren will meet with Derby chief executive Sam Rush on Thursday with his position increasingly uncertain and he could even depart the iPro Stadium in the next 48 hours.

Paul Clement, the Real Madrid No 2, is understood to have already been targeted as a potential replacement if McClaren leaves the club after just over 20 months in charge.

Rush flew out to New York last week to meet Derby's American owners and it is believed McClaren's future was one of the main topics of debate after their remarkable late season collapse.

Derby missed out on a play-off place on the final day of the Cha[!]8206;mpionship season and there has been growing frustration behind the scenes

[Bstand]

Good news if true, next on list should be Rush.

[tamworthram]

Good news if true, next on list should be Rush.

I am finally beginning to realise you may be right about SM but what problem do you have with Rush?

[AngryRam]

Rush has to stay.. Crucial to our development.

[hantsram]

Daily Mails take... McClaren flying back from holiday for emergency meeting. Discussions about his future role. Though they think he won't get sacked. Should we read that as change of role... DoF maybe?... a face saving role for McClaren that will still allow dcfc to get compensation if Newcastle come in. - view external link

[fedupwitwk]

It's all newspaper speculation and could result in mcclaren staying or going. Meetings might be nothing to do with other clubs interested in employing him. I've always thought the national press haven't liked derby as a club and remember several comments about derby only winning the league due to other clubs letting us, a bit like we allowed Brentford and Ipswich to get in the playoffs or allowing ballmouth and boro getting promoted.

So I'll start my own speculation :
Mel Morris is to become Chairman and his company is developing an addictive football game linked to the club with anticipated extra revenue for the club being £3m.

Meetings in America discussed potential signings and looked at budgets - due to the fall to £6m that the owners can put in this season to comply with FFP several targets including Bent/Ince are out of reachdue partly to wage demands and partly the fee for Ince.

Now the budget can be increased and both players become realistic targets again.

Not saying

[thekingofbuxton]

Morning

Is there any argument that Clement has been identified to lead on pitch matters with the offer to McClaren to take a directorial role if he so wishes, if not then he is free to move on?

I think this would mean that it is Simpson who is essentially being replaced but with an expansion of the role he currently does.

McClaren and Clement could be formidable.

Just a thought

[rhino1980]

It's pure speculation by the press again how do they know the meaning wasn't planned already (they love making stuff up)

My thinking is this

Rush and Morris went to discuss the budget etc with the American owners.

This has been done and now they want to get cracking on signing the players they want in time for the whole group to go on the Holland trip together.

Let's face it last few windows we haven't really messed about bringing people in.

For me can't see SM and Clement working together.

Personally think it would be a step backwards if we do get rid.

[Luckless]

I said a few weeks ago that I could see some surprising developments on the horizon and I just wonder if this speculation re board re structure is about Morris taking over from the current ownership and looking to go in his own direction.
I have no information but reading between the lines I have a sneaking feeling that could be the case.
When you look at the last 2 years it has been poor defensive play that has been the difference between a Premier league place or not.
The real question is can McClaren sort it whilst keeping the quality of attacking play. The board must decide quickly. Personally I think that McClaren will get the support of the the board financially to do so.
Interesting times.

[hantsram]

I am feeling certain McClaren will not be allowed to continue in his current role. I think the club have had enough of off field distractions and constant speculation.
On the one hand, you have the risk of hiring a new head coach, that may not work out.
On the other hand you have the certain knowledge that the current head coach is not 100% committed, and speculation will return next season as soon a Prem Manager is sacked.

As a team manager myself, it's an easy decision to make. I'd always take a highly motivated, employee with something to prove over a highly experienced person who's heart isn't in it.