Support is shining light in the gloom
IT should be no surprise that there is considerable interest in Derby County.
The Rams may be in administration, the situation with the stadium may be convoluted and the finances – putting it mildly – are a mess.
Mel Morris has left behind him a club that is unrecognisable financially from the one he inherited from Andy Appleby’s control in 2015.
The communication from Derby’s administrators, Quantuma, has been refreshing after a wall of silence from Morris.
Not an NDA in sight – apart from the ones potential new owners are signing.
The latest update from Carl Jackson and Andrew Hosking confirmed reports over the weekend that interested parties have made their move.
Addressing those who have signed an NDA, Hosking said: “Several have been able to provide the necessary proof of funds we have requested to be considered as a serious bidder.”
Anyone would be well within their rights to ask who on earth would want to get involved with a club seemingly destined for relegation to League One, financially stricken and in litigation with the EFL for the last 18 months?
Chances are, though, they were not at the Reading or Swansea City games, Derby’s last two matches at Pride Park.
They probably didn’t see the Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion or Birmingham City matches either.
If they were, they would have seen the beating heart of Derby - the supporters - are still very much behind their team.
That is a romantic way of looking at things, but there are other things Derby have going for them.
An academy brimming with talent that is propping up a first-team squad in the Championship, a stadium - owned by Morris admittedly - that is a top class multi-purpose arena, a rich history and good location in the Midlands.
It makes perfect sense for anyone with ambition to come in and pick Derby up off the floor and go for the Premier League.
Rams fans, for now, want stability and crucially a club to go and watch but look at teams such as Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the west of the region.
They have benefited from a smart approach to recruitment and fan engagement and their owners are reaping the rewards.
If businessmen Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens look to sell Villa, they will make a healthy profit. Likewise Wolves, who are owned by Chinese investors Fosun.
Whoever comes in knows that it can be done, that the Rams can be turned around and the pride restored - if they get it right.
That is why Derby fans can continue to look on the bright side in this dark time.