Derby County's prospective new owner Chris Kirchner has shed light on his dialogue with Rams' boss Wayne Rooney.
The American businessman returned his interest in the club having previously withdrawn a bid late last year. Kirchner was named as preferred bidder by Derby's administrators Quantuma last week and is now in the process of trying to get a deal over the line. He has been vocal on social media in the last few days, answering various queries and questions on Twitter sent in by supporters of the East Midlands club.
One question asked if Kirchner had spoken to Rooney since being named preferred bidder, to which he responded: "(We) Trade at least a few WhatsApp messages basically daily." Last week Rooney threw his support behind Kirchner, saying he is "delighted” by the development. He said: “He’s an ambitious man who wants to do well for the club, so am I."
Over the weekend, Kirchner took to Twitter saying Rooney would remain as manager next season if he completes the takeover. He said: “He will. He’s a big reason I came back. I believe he is the best young manager in the game."
Kirchner, who previously pursued Preston North End before pulling the plug on negotiations, was also asked if Rooney would be given full responsibility over recruitment in the summer. He added: “I’ll default to Wayne and the term internally. Wayne knows the squad he wants, my job is to give him the resources to assemble it.”
Derby are staring down the barrel of relegation after a poor run of form, not helped by the huge 21-point handicap they have been hit with this season. They received a 12-point penalty for entering administration in September before another nine-point hit followed in November after admitting to breaches of the EFL’s profitability and sustainability rules.
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Defeat at Swansea last Saturday pushed them a step closer to the third tier for the first time since 1986.
Rooney, who has repeatedly said he wants to stay at the club even if they are demoted, has previously said that a huge rebuild is needed in the summer. Derby have a threadbare squad as it is, with a clutch of players' contracts expiring. As long as it is in administration, the club are unable to extend those deals.
One fan asked Kirchner: "Do you agree with Wayne that we need 40 players in the summer? Is this realistic and wouldn't this cost the club serious money?" Kirchner responded: "I don’t know the exact number but it’s something like that. Lot of free transfers available this summer actually, but will cost money initially. Part of rebuilding something is investment at the beginning."
At present just five players - Jason Knight, Jack Stretton, Krystian Bielik, Max Bird and Louie Sibley - are contracted beyond this season.
