Pundit Opens Up On The Future Of David Clowes As Derby County Owner

When David Clowes completed his takeover of Derby County in July 2022, he walked into a club that was a shell of its former self.

Battered and broken by administration, the Rams were about to enter their first season back in the third tier since 1986, although without the intervention that was made by the local businessman, they would not have even started the 2022/23 campaign.

The East Midlands outfit had been deducted 21 points the previous year for entering administration and for historical financial issues, but they were able to start afresh, and quickly got to work on building a squad capable of competing in League One.

He was able to do so, and despite missing out on the play-offs in Clowes’ first year as owner, Derby finished second the season after and returned to the Championship. However, his future at the club is uncertain.

Verdict made on whether Clowes has Derby’s best interests at heart

In September 2024, it was reported that the 56-year-old was planning to sell up to 80% of the Rams to an investor, but he would stay on as the chairman.

With the club’s league status still hanging in the balance, this has taken a little bit longer than perhaps everyone expected, but it is clear to see that they are still well run.

Football League World has asked their Derby Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, if he believes Clowes has the team’s best interests at heart.

He told FLW: “I’ve said it before; David Clowes has Derby’s best interests at heart. He saved the club all those years ago which I don’t need to go into because I’ve spoken about it a lot in the past.

“But I do believe if the right people came along and wanted to invest or to buy some of the club or all the club off him, I think he would sell because he knows he can’t move the club forward to a place where it needs to be long-term.

“I do think he did all he could in the short-term and he’s been amazing for us. But I do think if the right people came along, he would sell. He genuinely has Derby’s best interests at heart, so I can’t complain about the guy.”

Shaun continued: “I think he’s an absolute legend for what he’s done for the club and he’ll always be remembered by all the fans as someone who literally saved us and gave us something to look forward to every Saturday.

“So, for that, I thank him.”

Clowes has proven his worth with his managerial appointments

Following the departure of Wayne Rooney in the summer of 2022, the Rams did not have a permanent manager, and Clowes kept hold of Liam Rosenior to help steady the ship at the start of their League One adventure.

However, Derby needed more experience and nous in the third tier, with Paul Warne leaving Rotherham United to take on the role at Pride Park.

It paid off, as the 51-year-old added to his three previous promotions from the division, although his time in the Championship did not go well.

Nevertheless, Clowes was once again able to entice another manager from a club further up the pyramid to take a chance on Derby, with John Eustace returning to the East Midlands 10 years after he retired as a player while with the Rams.

It is clear to see the vision that is in place in DE24 right now, and their owner has to be praised for his role in that, and if they do survive – he deserves a huge amount of credit.