Derby managing director steps down

Derby director and vice-chairman Mike Horton has quit his job as managing director at the Pride Park club.

Horton was a leading figure among the consortium of local businessmen which took control of the club in April 2006 and have since guided the club into the Barclays Premiership.

But Horton had spent much of the 2006-07 season at loggerheads with manager Billy Davies regarding the appointment of an assistant and he has now relinquished his role as MD - although he will continue as vice-chairman.

He said: "When the new administration took over, I agreed to take on the role of MD for six months and was then asked by the rest of the board to extend that period to 12 months.

"I feel I have fulfilled my obligations to the board and must turn my attention now to my own business interests and the needs of my family.

"The goals we set, notably promotion, have all been achieved and I feel it is an appropriate time to hand over."