Derby County owner sends message to fans after League One promotion

When David Clowes took over Derby County his first task was simple, to steady the ship and eventually earn promotion back to the Championship.

He signed manager Paul Warne to do just that, and after two seasons at the helm, Warne has got the job done and got the Rams back to the second tier.

Clowes was applauded by Derby fans during their promotion-clinching 2-0 win against Carlisle at the weekend during the game when he appeared on the big screen at Pride Park.

He also started ‘the bounce’ after the game, when all the fans were crowded onto the pitch to celebrate promotion.

Following the success, the Derby owner has sent a message out to Derby fans to express his feelings on the promotion.

He said: “There were dark times during this season, of course there were. Nothing that’s truly worth savouring comes easily, as Derby County fans we should all know that only too well!

“But we stayed strong as a club, players, staff and fans all shoulder-to-shoulder in the face of the adversity we inevitably faced, and we came through it together.

“I don’t need reminding why this club means so much to so many but on days when this stadium has been rocking or we’ve packed out away ends all over the country, I know why supporters deserve these moments of joy.”

Clowes took over at Derby whilst the club was in administration and under serious threat of liquidation, meaning that Derby fans would no longer have a club to support.

The lifelong Derby fan didn’t want to see the club dissapear and so saved it from extinction.

He reflected on having moved the club away from the darkest days and the success that’s come from it.

“One of the deciding factors behind our decision to buy the club was the thought that Derby fans and generations of Derby fans to come might be deprived of moments like this,” he said, “that’s why this feels so very, very special.

“Enjoy every moment, you all deserve it.”

The Rams owner will now have the pleasure of seeing his club back in the Championship again.