Serious allegations so Derby dump manager

DERBY: Derby County manager John Gregory was suspended by the Division One football club yesterday pending an investigation into “serious allegations” against him. The former Aston Villa manager pulled out of a news conference scheduled yesterday afternoon. Three hours later, the club announced he had been relieved of his duties.

“As has been widely reported recently, serious allegations have been made against John Gregory,” a club statement said. “These allegations have had a major adverse effect on the club and, in the light of these and in order to expedite a thorough, fair and objective investigation, the club has decided to suspend John Gregory while the investigation is undertaken.” The club said reserve team coach Mark Lillis would take over first-team affairs. Derby, relegated from the Premier League after last season, have gone eight matches without a victory and are hovering near the Division One relegation zone. The Rams lost 3-0 to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night. Gregory have been at the centre of controversy over midfielder Craig Burley, who is considering legal action against the club. Burley claims his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury was delayed because Gregory and physiotherapist Stuart Walker ignored the advice of the club’s former physio, Alan Watson.