AT LAST – IT’S DONE

>> Nine long months of agony for fans, staff, players and a city finally ended by takeover

DERBY County’s future has been secured after nine months of financial uncertainty as Clowes Developments completed their takeover of the club.

Confirmation came late on Friday afternoon that the property firm, run by longstanding Rams fan David Clowes, had finalised their deal and the club had exited administration.

Clowes were already the owners of Pride Park Stadium, having negotiated a deal to buy the ground from Mel Morris last week in a deal thought to be worth around £22m.

After failed takeover attempts from BZI, Erik Alonso and Chris Kirchner, the Rams can finally concentrate on football again after an arduous – and tedious – takeover saga.

Administrators Quantuma said: “Quantuma joint administrators, Andrew Hosking, Carl Jackson and Andrew Andronikou are delighted to confirm the completion of the sale of the business and assets of Derby County Football Club to Derbyshire-based property group Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd for an undisclosed amount.

“The transaction sees the club exit from administration and be brought under the same ownership structure as its stadium.”

Jackson said: “We are very pleased to have achieved (the) sale in a deal which secures the long-term future of the club and one which represents the very best outcome for creditors.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to the staff, players and fans for their loyalty, and patience as they supported the club through the administration.”

Hosking added: “The level of complexity involved in bringing this matter to a conclusion has been unparalleled and we are grateful to all stakeholders and their advisers for their hard work which has enabled us to overcome a magnitude of challenges and allow the rescue of this historic club.

“This deal represents a real milestone in the long and illustrious history of Derby County and marks the end of the uncertainty experienced by supporters and the wider community.”

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