Burley quits and sparks upheaval

DERBY director of football Murdo Mackay has confirmed he could also leave Pride Park in the wake of manager George Burley’s shock resignation.

And now Mackay has dropped a bombshell of his own, stating his own resignation has also been tendered and is currently being considered by Rams chairman John Sleightholme.

Mackay admitted he and Burley had endured a sometimes difficult working relationship but had resolved to bury their differences, at least until the end of the 2004-05 Coca-Cola Championship season, which had seen Derby finish fourth in the table.

However, an injury-ravaged Rams side were destined to miss out on promotion to the Premiership after defeat to Preston in the play-off semi-finals.

By then ex-Ipswich manager Burley’s relationship with Mackay appeared to have been irrevocably damaged.

Mackay offered his resignation to the Rams board on Monday, only for Burley to quit yesterday morning, while citing “an ongoing issue” which had made his position “increasingly untenable.”

Mackay said his offer of resignation had not been withdrawn despite Burley’s departure.

The Scotsman said: “Derby County is bigger than any one person and I decided if I was the problem then I should offer to resign.

“I was surprised to hear George had resigned, although I don’t think the club have received a formal offer of his decision yet.

“For my part, I have made my position clear and my offer to resign has not been withdrawn.

“I have spoken to the board, made my position clear and they know where I’m coming from.

“This is a brilliant football club and it is more important than any individual.”

The train of events had begun late in the morning when the 49-year-old’s agent released a statement which read: “It is with great regret I wish to announce my decision not to continue as manager of Derby County Football Club.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to work for this great club and to have enjoyed a memorable relationship with such special fans.

“However, as a result of an ongoing issue which has proved impossible to resolve, my position has become increasingly untenable.

“I hope that the club can continue to build upon the considerable progress which the team has achieved over the last two seasons.”