An article published on Canadian website ‘The Province’ suggests as many as 5 Derby players were identified as possible targets for the Whitecaps squad. That was until the Rams began sliding towards a relegation battle.
Derby fans are already frustrated and suspicious enough about the plans GSE have for the future but it seems they forget that Derby fans have the internet and if you type ‘Derby County’ into a search engine, all types of random news articles will pop up.
After Andy Appleby’s recent U.S interview that incurred the wrath or Rams fans it seems joint owner of the Whitecaps Jeff Mallett, (one of GSE’s major investors) has also inadvertently raised the ire of DCFC supporters.
As a new 'franchise' entering the MLS they need to build their player stocks and where could they look? I know... what about that little club we own in merry old England?...Daarby isn't it!? (enough with the sarcasm already! - ed.)
The full article in 'The Province read:
Whitecaps co-owner Jeff Mallett revealed Monday that the Whitecaps had interest in five players from English Championship side Derby County, but that all potential deals are off until the summer transfer window as Derby battles to avoid relegation. Mallett is also the principal investor at Derby.
The one player everyone knew about was midfielder Robbie Savage, whose self-promotion is unmatched. Mallett named one other Monday - 19-year-old Irish-American forward Conor Doyle who has been involved with the youth national teams of both countries.
So what exactly does this mean?
It is hard to say exactly but it is hard to not see it as Derby being used as something of a feeder club for the Whitecaps, whether it be first team or academy players that number of players points in that direction.
The time frame of events makes it a massive leap to accuse GSE of this always being the plan but when you purchase a large club with a thriving academy set up, it cannot be ruled out as a possibility.
I for one would love to believe that the owners are in for the long hall committed to keeping Derby financially stable with their major goal being long term Premier League success. But articles like this continually popping up makes it hard to do as you can't help but be suspicious.
After stripping the wage bill to a minimum and the first team squad to its bare bones, to even entertain pursuing Derby players as possible signings seem like football suicide.
No names are mentioned besides Doyle but even that in itself raises questions about the plans in place. For example, was Nigel asked to take Conor on at Derby and get him ready for a transfer back to the MLS?
Is it a long term plan to specifically develop players so the Whitecaps can reap the rewards of either the Academy or first team coaching staffs hard work?
If there were benefits financially and in terms of new facilities being provided, then such an arrangement could benefit Derby greatly but an article such as this makes positive thinking like that difficult. That type of arrangement would be a strategy rolled out benefiting both clubs and made known to fans of both clubs. This instead just looks clandestine.
An offer for Robbie Savage was one thing as he was looking to retire and would have been a good promotional tool but the likes of Doyle and other players are surely part of the long term plan at Derby that we keep hearing about?
How can Mallett even suggest he was happy to pillage players from one investment to the other when GSE claim they are building a squad for the future?
So is that building a squad for the future of DCFC, VWFC or both?
Transparency is essential and this one needs addressing sooner rather than later.
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