Steve McClaren ‘AXED from Derby advisor and technical director role’ as cutbacks begin

Steve McClaren is set to become Derby’s first big-name casualty as the club begins its major financial cutbacks after entering administration.

The former England and Rams manager was employed as an advisor and technical director at the club, but was not hired on a permanent basis, according to The Sun. 

As such, it is straightforward for Derby to let go of McClaren, who only took on the role in November last year. He had two spells as manager at Pride Park between 2013 and 2015, and then again in 2017. 

Steve McClaren has been let go by Derby as the club attempts to address its enormous debts

McClaren (left) re-joined Derby as board advisor and technical director in November 2020

The Sun reports that McClaren, 60, has prospective job options ahead with either FIFA or UEFA in a ‘think-tank’ capacity.  

The move to release McClaren is part of administrators’ plans to mitigate Derby’s losses as it tries to find a buyer. 

The administrators have spoken encouragingly about receiving ‘seven or eight credible expressions of interest’ about buying the Championship club, who are rock-bottom after receiving a 12-point deduction for entering administration.  

Some potential bidders are UK-based, while there is ‘substantial’ interest from the USA and at least one bidder from continental Europe and Asia. 

Owner Mel Morris will write off well in excess of £100million in loans owed to him, reducing the club’s debt and thus making it a more attractive prospect for any investor to buy and re-boot once Derby’s inevitable relegation takes place. 

Well in excess of £100m is owed to Derby owner Mel Morris in soft loans, and he will not be seeking a penny