SCR rules confirmed for 2026/27 - currently in shadow for 2025/26. Figures last reviewed 2026-05-17.

EFL Squad Cost Ratio

How much can Derby County spend?

Under the EFL's Squad Cost Ratio rules, Derby County can spend around £42.1m on squad costs - based on an estimated £31.9m of football revenue and the 85% limit, plus the owner equity top-up. That leaves an estimated £10.6m of headroom.

Derby County: the SCR breakdown

  • Estimated revenue (football) reported £31.9m
  • SCR limit - 85% of revenue £27.1m
  • + Owner equity top-up (max / season) £15m
  • Effective spending allowance £42.1m
  • Estimated squad cost reported £31.5m
  • Headroom +£10.6m
High spending power - squad cost is 98.7% of revenue

What this means

On these estimates, Derby County sit comfortably inside the 85% Green Threshold. They have room to invest in the squad without straining the rules.

Old rules vs new: PSR compared to SCR

Under the old PSR system, clubs were judged on total losses over three years, not on what they spent on the squad as a share of revenue. Here's how Derby's position compares under both sets of rules.

Old PSR (loss-based) New SCR (revenue-based)
3-year losses: −£200m reported
Limit: £39m
Headroom: −£161m
2015/16–2020/21 (historical)
Squad cost: £31.5m
Limit (85% + top-up): £42.1m
Headroom: +£10.6m
Based on £31.9m revenue

Derby's PSR story predates the current period. Owner Mel Morris admitted total losses exceeded £200m during his tenure (2015–2021). Received a 21-point deduction total (12 for administration, 9 for historical PSR breaches including the Pride Park stadium sale loophole). Entered administration September 2021. New owner David Clowes rescued the club; post-administration finances are far healthier.

Note on this club's figures. 2024/25 revenue £31.9m (up 64% from £19.4m after Championship promotion). Wages £31.5m. Pre-tax loss £11.1m. £63.1m total debt (interest-free, owner David Clowes). Sources: matchdayfinance.com, Swiss Ramble, dcfc.co.uk.
Source.

Compare Derby with another club

Figures are illustrative estimates from published accounts and public reporting, not official SCR submissions. SCR uses adjusted football revenue, which differs from headline turnover. Last reviewed 2026-05-17. Full rules explainer →