Yet, the Championship is shaping up to be extremely competitive, and the East Midlands outfit may struggle to compete financially with some of the big hitters in the division.

Turki Alalshikh in advanced talks over Derby County investment

But, that could be about to change, as it has been reported that Saudi billionaire Turki Alalshikh is looking to invest in the Championship side.

Alalshikh has transformed boxing in recent years, with his funding ensuring that some of the biggest fights on the planet have taken place, and he is now looking to get involved in English football.

Even though squad cost ratio rules would prevent outrageous spending, Alalshikh’s involvement would significantly change the landscape in terms of the budget available to Eustace.

With the Independent Football Regulator now performing the necessary checks, it appears a potential deal is at an advanced stage.

Therefore, it’s no surprise Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward was excited about the prospect of Alalshikh arriving, even if he did express concerns given the history of the club. But, the overriding feeling was that owner and lifelong fan David Clowes must be trusted with whatever he decides to do.

“My heart tells me this is a brilliant move to the club, to have a billionaire that could really invest into the club, to help us try and reach the Premier League,” Shaun said.

“Yet, my head tells me we’ve been down this road before with Mel Morris, we chucked money at it, and it didn’t work – we almost lost the club. So, we’ve got to be really careful.

“However, I really trust David Clowes. If he feels it’s the right move for the club, and it can take us forward, I fully back him in whatever he decides to do. Whether that’s to keep the club, to stay on the board or to relinquish full power. I really do believe he will do it with the best interests of the club at heart, and he will make sure he has done his homework, and he wouldn’t do anything to put the club in jeopardy.

“If this man does come in, I will believe it’s great for the club because Clowes has allowed it.”

Derby County will be dreaming of a bright future

Most would agree with the view that Clowes should be trusted, as it won’t be forgotten that he saved the club from the brink in 2022, and, as a fan, he always acts in the interest of the club.

The prospect of Alalshikh’s investment is going to excite supporters, as whilst Clowes deserves so much credit for the backing he has given Eustace, the reality is that he has limitations in the financial backing he can provide.