‘This feels like the beginning of a new chapter for our club and is a huge relief for supporters, players and staff’
IN what has been a long ordeal for Derby County supporters, the purchase of Pride Park, home of Derby County, by boyhood fan David Clowes has brought “huge relief” for fans across the city.
Clowes Developments confirmed in a statement yesterday it had successfully purchased the ground from previous owner Mel Morris, who had separated Pride Park from the club in 2018.
The deal was actually completed the previous Friday, June 17, and is being regarded as a major breakthrough in the club’s search for a new owner after a takeover bid from potential buyer Chris Kirchner collapsed.
Administrators Quantuma have since confirmed that ongoing talks regarding a takeover of the club are being held.
If a successful takeover was to take place the club would exit administration after nine months. Since this latest positive news regarding a takeover, many supporters groups have spoken about the purchase and what it means for the future of their beloved Derby County.
Black and White Together, a supporters group set up in 2021 by concerned fans, said the purchase feels like “the beginning of a new chapter.” A spokesperson for the group said: “Black & White Together are pleased that the stadium is now under new ownership. We are very keen to see a new owner taking over the football club and bringing administration to an end. This feels like the beginning of a new chapter for our club and is a huge relief for supporters, players and staff.
“We would like to congratulate David Clowes, a lifelong Rams fan, on his purchase of Pride Park Stadium,
and wish him the very best of luck”
Another supporter group, Punjabi Rams, welcomed the news. A spokesperson said: “This finally looks like progress.
“With a whole team to be built ahead of the season starting on July 30 we can now start to gain some momentum again.
“For the sake of the club staff let’s hope this is the beginning of the end of these difficult past nine months. And let’s hope us fans can soon get back to the football that we all love.”
Rams Trust said: “RamsTrust welcomes the purchase of the stadium and interim loan to DCFC by Clowes Developments. Whilst we recognise there is still a lot of work to be done in securing the future of the club and exiting administration, this feels like a positive move in the right direction.”