Derbyshire-based property group Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd are expected to have their takeover of Derby County approved on Thursday, the club’s administrators have said.
Clowes had its bid for Derby County accepted over the weekend after it was earlier reported they would submit a bid to buy the Sky Bet League One club after purchasing the company that owned Pride Park Stadium from Mel Morris.
The transaction was due to be completed on Wednesday but that has now been pushed back to Thursday.
A spokesperson on behalf of the joint administrators of Derby County said: “All parties involved in the sale of the club have been working very hard together since last weekend to complete this extremely complex transaction.
“A small number of outstanding matters remain, and these matters are outside of the control of the joint administrators and Clowes Developments (UK) Limited. It is our expectation that these will be finalised tomorrow, Thursday 30 June, allowing the transaction to complete then.
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Derby’s Curtis Davies hopes their ownership situation will be sorted as soon as possible to ensure they don’t suffer further next season
“The joint administrators would like to reassure staff, players and supporters that they are in receipt of completion monies from Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, and the outstanding issues require a short amount of additional time to be finalised.”
Clowes had also issued an interim loan to the club which would have enabled Derby to start the season and trade while a deal to purchase the Rams is concluded.
The purchase of Pride Park was completed on Friday, June 17
David Clowes, chairman at Clowes Developments, previously spoke about wanting to rescue the club he supports.
“With a deadline looming and the start of the next season getting closer, we needed to do something,” he said.
“As a local and established property company, purchasing the stadium seemed the obvious first step. Secondly, as a proud Derby supporter, it was inconceivable to me that the club was at risk of falling away.
“We’ve worked tirelessly behind the scenes on the stadium purchase and loan agreement to be able to get the club going again in time for the next season. Players, staff and fans needed some good news, and we are delighted to play a part in delivering that.
“As a long-standing loyal supporter, I am personally delighted that we are in a position to be able to secure the future of the football club. This is a very proud and humbling moment for Clowes Developments.”
Rooney leaves Derby | Rosenior appointed interim manager
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Derby’s Curtis Davies says he was shocked by Wayne Rooney’s decision to leave the club, but says he understands the decision
On Friday, Wayne Rooney quit as Derby County manager, admitting the club needs someone with “fresh energy” to lead them in what is an uncertain period regarding the ownership.
Rooney received plenty of plaudits for the work done with the club in their battle to avoid the drop.
Had it not been for the 12-point deduction for entering administration, which was followed by a nine-point penalty for breaching EFL accounting rules, the Rams would have finished 18th, level with Bristol City on 55 points. Instead, despite the toils of a team filled to the brim with young players, largely with little to no EFL experience, punishments for issues off the pitch proved too much of a stumbling block.
Rooney said: “Over the course of the Summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County.
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Derby County manager Wayne Rooney thanked the club’s fans and vowed they’ll bounce back after their defeat at QPR saw them suffer relegation from the Championship
“Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club. In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.
“My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge.
“Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last eighteen months. I will remember my time at Derby with great pride and affection and would like to thank all my staff, players and of course the fans for their incredible support. I will never forget you and hope to see you all again in the near future and in happier times.
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Sky Sports’ Clinton Morrison was shocked by Wayne Rooney’s decision to leave Derby and believes it is a ‘big blow’ for the club
“Finally, I am aware that the club still have interested parties who wish to take over the running of the club. To them I say this, Derby County is a great club with a great history and great fans. I wish you all the best and much success for the future.”
Liam Rosenior has been appointed as Derby’s interim manager after Rooney’s departure. The squad returned to training on Monday to begin preparations for life in Sky Bet League One.
Rosenior has spent the last three years on Derby’s coaching team, initially as Specialist First Team Coach before stepping up to be Assistant Manager to former manager Wayne Rooney midway through the 2020/21 campaign.