Friday 5 May 2017 19:10, UK
Sam Rush has told Sky Sports News HQ he is "shocked" at Derby's decision to sack him as chief executive on Wednesday.
Sky sources reported earlier this week that Rush's future at the club was in doubt and he has since been dismissed "on the grounds of gross misconduct and breach of fiduciary duty".
And Rush, who joined the Rams in 2012, says the matter is now in the hands of his lawyers.
"I am incredibly shocked and disappointed that my time at Derby has come to an end in this premature way," he said in a statement issued to Sky Sports News HQ.
"I would like to wish the supporters, staff, players and management the very best for the future. I will be making no further comment at this time as the matter is now in the hands of my lawyers.
Rush signed a new five-year deal in October 2015, five months after local businessman Mel Morris bought the club, but he was given a period of leave last month.
For the first time in more than five years, Rush was absent from Derby's last home game - Saturday's 3-1 win over Wolves.
It was also the chairman Morris who wrote the game's programme notes instead of Rush, with the club's owner referring to mistakes that he feels have been made with recruitment in the past two seasons.
Morris has spent around £120m in buying the club, investing in players and infrastructure in the past 18 months, but they have failed to make the Championship play-offs under three different managers - Nigel Pearson, Steve McClaren and Gary Rowett - this term.
Rush is the former Head of Football Operations at Wasserman, an international sports agency.
