Burley quits Derby

Although both parties were quick to try to smooth things over it always remained on the cards that the parting of the ways might not be too far away. And when it came it was hardly amicable with the club not being the first to know.

Burley decided he could no longer carry on after saying he was deeply hurt by the allegations that had been levelled against him. This morning he announced, “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 and I wish the club every success in the future.”

The club were obviously not too impressed with Burley’s announcement this morning and chairman John Sleightholme responded by saying, “It is with reluctance and regret that we note George Burley’s decision not to continue as manager.

“George raised a specific concern with the board, the board had a meeting and complied with George’s request and he agreed to continue as manager. However, since that meeting only a number of days ago, George now feels he cannot continue as manager.

“He said there was no solution possible and his representatives have made it clear that his decision is final. The board, having satisfied George’s requests, are disappointed that he has not made clear his real reasons for leaving.”

Burley has been with Derby since March 2003, coming in to replace John Gregory almost six months after losing his job at Ipswich. It was tough and in his first full season in charge they came close to dropping into what is now League One but were rescued on the last day of the season with Walsall going down.

He turned it round though, with some astute signings from the continent, and turned a relegation side into one that ended the season in the top six. Injuries and a loss of form cost them against Preston but good judges felt Burley could take them one step further next season.

That clearly all came to an end with the allegations two weeks ago and that has culminated in his decision to leave the club today. There are suggestions of a return to Scotland although Millwall have already been linked with him. I wouldn’t have thought the job at the Den would be one that would appeal to him though.