Davies open to new Rams deal

Derby manager Billy Davies is in talks over a new contract at Pride Park.

Davies, who has transformed Derby from Coca-Cola Championship strugglers to play-off final winners within the space of 12 months, has two years to run on his existing Rams deal.

However, with County now a Premier League side following that 1-0 win over West Brom at Wembley last month, Davies has been linked with a move to other clubs, most notably top-flight Manchester City.

The Scot has now opened negotiations over a contract extension with new board member and chief executive Trevor Birch who was appointed this week following the resignation of former managing director Mike Horton.

Davies, who had endured a sometimes uneasy relationship with Horton – who himself remains at the club as vice chairman – said: “We are talking about a new contract then I would not refuse that, although I have never asked for one.

“It is certainly not the case that after winning promotion I asked for a new contract, a single penny more in salary or for anyone to be removed from the club.

“I was asked by the press after the play-off final if I would rule out a move to another club and I said I would never say never because nothing is certain in football – we all know that.

“But I have two years to go on my existing contract and I have been working on that basis.

“That is all I have got to say because if tell people I have two years left to run on my existing contract, where is the doubt in that?”

And as well as talks about his own future, Davies is keen to appoint David Kelly, his former Preston assistant currently on gardening leave from the Deepdale club, as his Derby number two.

Meanwhile, former Scotland and North End boss Craig Brown is being lined up as football consultant to Davies who also wants an assistant first-team coach, a reserve-team coach, a sports scientist and a video analyst.

“These are things to be resolved,” said Davies. “But I have had good conversations with the board over the last two weeks.

“Craig Brown is someone who was working as a European scout for Fulham last season and who has vast experience and contacts within the game.

“The European transfer market is something we need to tap into but believe you me, the ratio will always be something like 60-40 or 70-30 in favour of British players.

“Meanwhile, and with regard to the David Kelly situation, I am saying this categorically – David Kelly’s services will be won or lost in the next couple of days.

“He is someone I want at the club because he is someone I trust, who calls a spade a spade and who is loyal.

“But David Kelly has a situation which needs to be resolved with the Preston chairman and I do hope common sense will prevail.”