Stan Collymore launched a powerful defence of crisis-hit Derby County by insisting the club should be protected at "all cost" as their takeover saga continues to rumble on.
On a day of yet more twist and turns, the club's administrators Quantuma released a statement tonight in which they said discussions over the sale of the Rams are ongoing.
Derby have been in administration since September but still remain unsold as fans eagerly await the announcement of a preferred bidder who can secure the club's future.
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Some fans of rival clubs in the Championship have poked fun at the Rams' situation but ex-Forest striker Collymore warned on Twitter that they could forget the support of the "football family" if they suffer the same problems.
He wrote: "If you celebrate Derby County potentially going into liquidation, don't expect support from the football "family" when your time comes, and it will.
"Protect Derby County at all cost. One of 12 clubs that should have had cultural legal protection as founders years ago."
Collymore's comments come on a day when it emerged that one prospective owner, Mike Ashley, has not spoken to the administrators for two months. He had been reportedly close to a deal in December, but according to the Telegraph has not heard anything since January.
Ashley is still interested in a deal after it emerged his representatives held talks with North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen earlier this week.
Bridgen has told Telegraph Sport : “I met with representatives of Mike Ashley on Wednesday, who detailed their actions over the previous few months. Obviously Mike Ashley is still interested and is a very credible bidder so I would urge the administrators to engage with them as it’s quite clear a deal needs to be done as quickly as possible.”
