Derby Speak Out Over Camp- Again!

Last updated : 20 July 2004 By Mark O' Haire

Derby County have played down a new twist in the battle of the goalkeepers at Pride Park.

Andy Oakes looked to be heading for the exit when he was placed on the transfer list at the end of last season, leaving Lee Grant and Lee Camp to fight it out for the number one slot.

But now there is growing speculation over young Camp's future with the club.

He has again been linked with a permanent move to Queens Park Rangers where he spent a successful loan spell last season, helping them to win promotion from Division Two.

However, Rams manager George Burley, director of football Murdo Mackay, Camp and his agent, Gary Porter, all say they know nothing about the speculation.

"Lee Camp has just been to Norway with us. I had a long chat with him yesterday afternoon and he's not out of the equation to start the season for us," said Burley.

"Nobody from QPR has spoken to me about Lee and there has certainly been no offer."

Mackay added: "I would understand completely QPR wanting to take Lee on a permanent basis because he did so well for them last season but I have heard nothing formally from them and so we will treat it as speculation."

Derby have three keepers and it looks like one will have to leave.

If it is Oakes, it would remove one of high earners from the wage bill. If it is Camp, the club may receive a fee and hefty sell-on clause.

Camp turns 20 next month and Grant is 21. Oakes (28) played for a Rams Reserve team against West Bromwich Albion in the Bass Vase competition at Rocester last night.

All three keepers attended an intensive five-day keeper course at Stafford earlier this month under the watchful eye of the Rams' new goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster.

Grant and Camp went with the squad to Norway, while Burley has confirmed that Oakes has been working hard in training and that situations do change in football.

Meanwhile, Burley is edging closer to strengthening his squad with a new midfielder.

It seems to us at QPR MAD that if an offer from Rangers comes in the Derby board would think seriously about letting him go, especially with Andy Oakes waiting in the wings.

We will bring you the latest as and when he hear it.