John Eustace was appointed Derby County head coach in February 2025 [Getty Images] Derby County head coach John Eustace says he is relieved that "the drama is over" following the failed attempted takeover by Saudi Arabia government official Turki Al-Sheikh. A deal between Rams owner David Clowes and Al-Sheikh – who also goes by the name of Alalshikh - had been sanctioned by both the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) and the English Football League (EFL), and appeared on the cusp of completion. But on Monday, the Championship club was told Al-Sheikh was pulling out, with the 45-year-old taking to social media to say the vetting process – which the IFR confirmed had taken 55 days - "would leave us with no time to prepare the team or the club for the season ahead". The potential involvement of Al-Sheikh - who is chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, as well as a billionaire regarded as one of the most influential figures in the boxing world – has loomed over the Rams throughout a summer in which only four players have been signed. The takeover bid also drew the attention of Amnesty International, who told BBC Sport in June that the IFR faced a "defining test" regarding Al-Sheikh - someone who is close to Saudi Arabia de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, and who has been criticised by human rights groups for his role in alleged "sportswashing". Saudi Arabia has been accused of using sports to improve its image in the wider world to distract from its human rights record, its use of the death penalty, its treatment of women and its anti-LGBT stance. When Eustace was asked by BBC Radio Derby about his reaction to the collapse of the takeover, he replied: "I'm glad all the drama is over and that we can get back to business now and concentrate on making sure Derby are successful this season." It was not until the breakdown of the deal was made public that Eustace said he learned of the development. He did, however, speak to owner and chairman Clowes soon after. "It was very positive," Eustace said. "Everyone was disappointed when the takeover broke down, but the first thing he [Clowes] said to me was 'don't worry, we will get players in and get this club right, and everyone wants to move this club forward from last year." Derby fell short of the Championship play-off places on the final day last season, ending two places and four points outside the top six. Eustace reiterated that he want "more quality" players added to the side to help turn the Rams into serious promotion contenders. "It's really important that we don't go backwards," he said. "We made great steps last season and over the 18 months since I've been here. "The recruitment team is working really hard. Everyone knows what we need and fingers crossed we can bring them in. And if we can bring players in, brilliant. If not, the group won't let anyone down." Derby, who were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Lincoln City in their first competitive game of the season last weekend, start their Championship campaign at Charlton Athletic on Saturday. Eustace focused firmly on Championship start Analysis from Dominic Dietrich, BBC Radio Derby Relieved was the word John Eustace chose when it came to the end of the takeover saga, and you can absolutely understand why. The constant questions stop, uncertainty around the club stops, his transfer plans between now and 1 September become clearer, albeit slightly rushed. Importantly, the focus, as every head coach likes it, is firmly on what happens on Saturday afternoon now when the Championship season kicks off. Eustace isn't a stranger to tricky situations at all levels of the clubs he's been at, when you look back at his time at Birmingham City and Blackburn, but this whole takeover mess has drastically put the club's recruitment on the back foot. That has a direct impact on his preparations, and between now and the deadline they have to get players in and react quickly with their squad currently behind where they ended last season. Eustace is urging patience, something he wouldn't have pictured doing at the end of last campaign when he called for getting business done early and a full pre-season. But unfortunately Derby's squad is far from complete, so yet again what the Rams look like at this current stage could look very different after the window closes.
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