Derby ask Burley to come clean over reason for leaving

George Burley's bittersweet tenure as manager of Derby County ended with his resignation yesterday after a breakdown in relations with the chairman, John Sleightholme, that had echoes of Brian Clough's irrevocable rift with Sam Longson more than three decades earlier.

The 49-year-old Burley opted to quit Pride Park - possibly paving the way for Derby to pursue his fellow Scot, Billy Davies, of Preston North End - only weeks after taking the East Midlands club to fourth place in the Championship and an unsuccessful play-off against Davies' side.

No sooner had Burley described his position as "untenable" than Sleightholme accused him of not making clear "his real reasons" for leaving. The Derby hierarchy apparently believe he has lined up another post, at Heart of Midlothian, Millwall or Fulham.

In a statement, Burley spoke of "an ongoing issue" that had proved "impossible to resolve". This is understood to be a reference to his differences with the director of football, Murdo Mackay, who was installed after Derby were taken over during 2003-04, although Mackay revealed last night that he offered his own resignation on Monday.

The upheaval follows a season in which Burley revitalised a squad that escaped relegation by one point in May last year, the former Ipswich Town manager's first full term. He had no transfer budget - Derby have debts of around £30m - but free-transfer signings such as Grzegorz Rasiak and Inigo Idiakez proved outstanding successes.

However, Burley was unhappy with Mackay's role and with the decision to sell Tom Huddlestone to Tottenham Hotspur. Derby reputedly asked players to confirm allegations that Burley had supervised training while drunk. The players were said to have refused to give evidence.

Burley said he was "deeply hurt" by the accusations, but committed himself to Derby last week according to Sleightholme. "George raised a specific concern with the board," the chairman said yesterday. "We had a meeting and he agreed to stay. He now feels he cannot continue.

"We asked if there was anything we could do to change his mind. He said there was no solution possible. The board, having satisfied his requests, is disappointed he has not made clear his real reasons for leaving."

Davies' shoestring success with Preston has raised his profile. There will also be support among Derby fans for Nigel Clough, who has served his apprenticeship at nearby Burton Albion, while Dave Bassett's record of promotions and Gary McAllister's potential may attract interest.