The Point Of No Return

Derby County have this evening confirmed that forward Luke Varney will not be returning to the club and will be sold either next month or in the summer.

Varney, 28, is currently on loan at Blackpool from the Championship club, and it’s fair to say that he has been a revelation; chipping in with both goals and assists and fitting into the team’s set-up perfectly.

However, there has been widespread confusion surrounding the details of Varney’s loan spell at Bloomfield Road.

The fact that he’s on more money at Derby than he would be if he signed permanently for us aside, there have been conflicting stories regarding the Seasiders’ option to sign Varney permanently.

Whilst the Seasiders absolutely do have an option to sign Varney permanently, ‘Pool manager Ian Holloway’s claims that the player will sign for ‘Pool permanently in January for an agreed fee of £250,000 have been rubbished by The Rams.

Instead, they claim that ‘Pool can only sign him for an agreed price at the end of the season, and that if they wish to make his move a permanent one next month they will have to negotiate a price for the player, as indeed will any other suitors.

Speaking to the press this evening, Derby’s chief executive Tom Glick said:

‘Blackpool – or any other club – are able to do a permanent deal with us in January.

‘What has been put out in the media by Blackpool is not an accurate reflection of the situation. I think Ian [Holloway] would probably like to take some of those remarks back – I’m sure his chairman would – as there is an agreement not to discuss the terms.

‘That being said, we are delighted for Luke that he’s been playing so well and we remain interested in doing a deal with Blackpool – or another club – in January, or in the summer.

‘For whatever reason he didn’t settle here, he didn’t perform here, he wasn’t and isn’t Nigel’s selection.

‘We just have to take that – it is what it is and we all move on. We wish success for Luke, we’re glad he’s been effective for Blackpool.’

Ollie certainly seemed less confident about the deal being made permanent on Goals on Sunday at the weekend, and indeed said that he’s been warned to watch what he says; perhaps a reflection that his bold statement about Luke (amongst other things) was incorrect?

Either way, I would be very surprised if Luke Varney isn’t a permanent Seasider come the end of January…