Derby County boss Billy Davies admits he hasn't spoken to chairman Adam Pearson for some weeks as he seeks news on his winter transfer budget.
After defeat to Chelsea, Davies revealed: "Anybody questioning the players' attitude, commitment and effort, should look again because I can't ask any more from these guys.
"I have seen Kenny Miller's goal and it's clearly onside; I have seen the tackle on Giles Barnes, and it's clearly a free-kick.
"But that's not the problem. The problem we have is that we have to invest in the playing staff of this club.
"Hopefully I can see the chairman - who I've not seen in the last three weeks - and hopefully if there is any investment then it goes towards the playing staff.
"I feel sorry for the fans because they are paying their money, getting behind the club and the players, but they want to see quality on the pitch and that is something we must see now."