SOLD!

Derby County Football Club was today sold to a consortium of businessmen led by barrister John Sleightholme.

The club was acquired from the Receiver of the parent company Derby County Ltd, which went into Receivership earlier today. The transaction ensures that creditors of the club will be protected and the club will now be able to continue its rebuilding following its relegation from the Premier League 18 months ago.

The new board is chaired by Mr Sleightholme. Other members are Jeremy Keith, a financier and business doctor, and Steve Harding, a marketing and communications entrepreneur.

The new Board has raised £15-million through re-financing, most of which will be used to repay part of the debt built up with the Co-operative Bank and financial institution Lombard.

John Sleightholme commented: "It is a great honour to be involved with such a major football club, one that is a well known institution in British life with an illustrious sporting history. "It will take time to put Derby back on the right path - but that is our aim. I look forward to talking in more detail at tomorrow's media conference."

* A media conference will be held at Pride Park Stadium tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10.30am.

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