Gregory heads for exit door at Derby

John Gregory's legal team were in discussions with Derby County last night about his imminent departure.

The Derby manager, who has been suspended by the club for the last month, is set to leave and lawyers for both parties were in negotiations yesterday about his exit. The former Aston Villa manager is planning a counter-action against charges of which he has supposedly been found "guilty" in the club's internal investigation, which concluded this week.

Under his contract Gregory is entitled to substantial compensation – thought to be around £1.2m – but the troubled First Division club are understood to be trying to avoid paying that in the light of the accusations made against Gregory.

Gregory and his agent, Paul Stretford, are ready to fight back, criticising Derby for the way they have handled the case. The Football Association may also be called in.

Meanwhile, Georgi Kinkladze has yet to decide on his Pride Park future, according to Derby's club secretary, Keith Pearson. The Rams' official said the Georgian had been misquoted in reports claiming that he had already made up his mind to leave and had turned down a new two-year deal.