This article may have been created or edited in return for undisclosed payments, a violation of Wikipedia's terms of use. It may require cleanup to comply with Wikipedia's content policies, particularly neutral point of view. (June 2022) |
Samuel John Rush (born 26 March 1972 in London) is an English sports administrator, agent and executive who was chief executive at Derby County for almost five years.
Samuel Rush | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 March 1972 London |
| Occupation | Sports administrator, agent, executive |
| Citizenship | British |
Career edit
A former rugby union player who scored for Oxford University against a Major Stanley's XV,[1] and in front of 71,000 supporters at Twickenham in the 1995 Varsity Match, Rush had spells with Nottingham, Rugby Lions and Saracens.
Rush is a qualified solicitor who began his career at city law firms SJ Berwin,[2] and Bird and Bird.
Rush was the chief operating officer at SFX Sports Group which was acquired for an undisclosed sum in November 2006 by Wasserman Media Group,[2] where he then became president of international business at.[3] In November 2010 he was named the third most influential sports lawyer by Sports Business International magazine.[4] He has also been named as one of the top 50 most influential people in sport by the Times newspaper.[5]
During his career Rush represented David Beckham, including handling his transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2003.[6]
Rush was appointed as the president and chief executive of Derby County in September 2012,[7] starting the role officially in January 2013.[8]
In November 2014 he was named FC Business Championship chief executive of the year.[9] In October 2015, he signed a new five-year contract at Derby.[10] Chairman Mel Morris stated: “Rush is a big reason for the turnaround in the football club and a main for reason for me having joined the club”.
During his time at the club Derby reached the play-offs final in 2014 and the play-off semi-finals in 2016, and he was described by manager Steve McClaren as “the glue that holds the club together”.[11]
In May 2017 Rush left Derby with both parties later issuing claims for breach of contract.[12] In March 2018 an employment tribunal found that Rush had been unfairly dismissed by Derby County.[13] In October 2019, Derby County issued a statement saying the two parties had settled their respective differences on agreed terms.[14][15]
Rush is now chief executive and director at the sports agency 366 Group.[16]
Rush has also held long term roles as a board member of the Amateur Boxing Association[17] and as Treasurer of the British Association for Sport and Law.[18]
Personal life edit
Rush is married to Caroline with children Ella, an international heptathlete,[19][20] and Johnny, residing in Derbyshire and London.
References edit
- ^ "Stanley's exploit explosive start". The Independent. 16 November 1995.
- ^ a b "Wasserman set to dominate football with SFX acquisition". Campaign.
- ^ "Wasserman Media Group expands into Europe". Golf Business News.
- ^ "Bob Mitchell named 2010's most influential sports lawyer". SportBusiness. 1 November 2010.
- ^ "The Sporting Power 100: 59 to 40". The Times.
- ^ "Ex-Bird & Bird lawyer lands Beckham deal". The Lawyer. 22 June 2003.
- ^ "Sam Rush Leaves Wasserman Media Group To Become Derby County CEO". Sports Business Daily.
- ^ "Derby County appoint Sam Rush as new president and chief executive officer". Sky Sports.
- ^ "Derby Countys Sam Rush Wins The FC Business Chief Executive Of The Year Award". Derby County F.C. Reserves and Academy.
- ^ "Sam Rush: Derby County chief executive signs long-term deal". BBC Sport. 28 October 2015.
- ^ "Derby County: Sam Rush is 'glue' that binds club - Steve McClaren". BBC Sport. 7 November 2014.
- ^ "Derby County sue former club president Sam Rush for £6.8 million". Derby Telegraph. 28 March 2018.
- ^ "Employment Tribunal finds Keystone client Sam Rush was "unfairly dismissed" by Derby County". Keystone Law.
- ^ "Derby County issue statement on former chief executive Sam Rush". Derby Telegraph. 29 October 2018.
- ^ "Derby County: Championship club 'settle differences' with former chief executive Sam Rush". BBC Sport. 29 October 2018.
- ^ Cross, John (26 March 2020). "Top agent Colin Gordon claims football business is "horrific" and "needs reset"". Daily Mirror.
- ^ Byrne, Paul (15 July 2008). "Steven Gerrard & pals join campaign to keep knives off the streets". Daily Mirror.
- ^ "Volume 18, Issue 2" (PDF). www.britishsportslaw.com.
- ^ "Ella RUSH | Profile". www.worldathletics.org.
- ^ "Athlete Profile". www.thepowerof10.info.