Derby CEO Sam Rush's future in doubt after he is given time off by club

The future of Derby County chief executive and president, Sam Rush, is in doubt, after he was given time off by the club, Sky sources understand.

Rush joined Derby in 2012, and signed a new five-year deal in October 2015, five months after local businessman Mel Morris bought the club.

But for the first time in over five years, Rush was absent from Derby's last home game - Saturday's 3-1 win over Wolves.

And it was Morris who wrote Saturday's programme notes, instead of Rush - Derby'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, and investing in players and infrastructure in the past 18 months.

Rush is the former Head of Football Operations at Wasserman - an international sports agency.

There has been no comment from Derby, who have refused to elaborate on the reasons for Rush's absence.