Rams and Spurs at loggerheads

Relations between the Rams and Tottenham Hotspur are decidedly bitter at the present time, with both clubs reporting money is owed to them regarding players over the past two years. The Rams are concerned regarding non payment from Spurs, for the add-on payments due with the Tom Huddlestone deal in 2005
The North London club acquired his services from the Rams in July 2005 for an initial fee of £600,000 with possible add-ons taking the fee to around £2M, rumoured to be around £2.5 million.

A report in a national newspaper today says Derby are not happy with the situation and want a transfer ban imposed on Tottenham because of the dispute. The report claims the Rams are owed a further £150,000 after the 20-year-old midfielder made 15 senior appearances for the London club.
A Rams spokesman said this morning that they had expressed concern with the FA about a delay in a payment instalment from Tottenham.
The Pride Park statement reads: ‘However, a significant part of the payment has now been received.
‘There is still a dispute between the two clubs but, as Derby County are bound by a confidentiality clause in the Huddlestone transfer contract, we will not be making any further comment at this time.’

The North London club have also stated the Rams owe them money in the temporary transfer of Mounir El Hamdaoui. The striker joined the Rams on loan in September 2005 appearing 6 times, scoring 2 goals before a dislocated shoulder forced the loan to be cut short and he returned to Spurs. Derby continued to monitor his progress and in January 2006 he returned to Pride Park for another loan spell. Unfortunately, this too was to be disrupted due to injury, a groin problem forcing him to return to Tottenham in early March. This second loan deal was not cancelled, but after returning to duty with Derby in April, a further injury problem may have prematurely ended his season. Spurs are reported to be seeking £50,000 in respect of the temporary transfer.

If this issue continues, it may damage Spurs’ chances of buying Giles Barnes, who is a target of Martin Jol in the transfer window.