Gregory to appeal Derby dismissal

Derby have sacked manager John Gregory with two years to run on his contract, but the Rams chief is intending to appeal his dismissal…

Derby have sacked manager John Gregory with two years to run on his contract, but the Rams chief is intending to appeal his dismissal.

The club suspended Gregory on March 21st as they began an inquiry into "serious allegations" levelled against him.

Physio Stuart Walker and first-team coach Ross MacLaren were also suspended as separate investigations were carried out, but the pair continue to remain as nominal employees of the club.

Gregory met club officials to discuss his situation for the first time on Thursday and Friday of last week but seven days later the club have announced his dismissal.

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An official club statement said Derby would have nothing more to say until the result of the appeal was known.

The appeal could be heard and completed by chairman Lionel Pickering in a matter of days, given the example of first-team coach Billy McEwan who was rapidly reinstated after being sacked by Gregory.

Gregory had been appointed in January 2002 with a brief to keep the Rams in the Premiership but a dreadful run which saw Derby take just one point from their last eight games confirmed their relegation last season.

He had reportedly been beset by off-field problems, not least the public falling out with Craig Burley.

There were also allegedly tensions with senior players including defender Horacio Carbonari, who has now left the club, and midfielders Simo Valakari and Giorgi Kinkladze.