Derby County decision confirmed as David Clowes revealed ‘it was the right time’
Derby County decision confirmed as David Clowes says ‘it was the right time’
Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive as new holding company will bring the stadium and club together under one entity
Derby County’s Pride Park stadium and the football club will both be under the umbrella of a new holding company, it has been confirmed.
Clowes Developments owns the football club and the stadium, but they had been under separate legal entities with the club in Derby County (The Rams) Limited and Pride Park in Gellaw Newco 202 Limited.
Gellaw Newco 202 Limited has been renamed Derby County (The Rams) Stadium Limited and that will sit alongside the club company Derby County (The Rams) Limited, in a new holding company, Derby County (The Rams) Holdings Limited.
Clowes Developments will own 100 per cent of Derby County (The Rams) Holdings Limited. The club explained that although there is no change of ownership, the move will help allay fans’ concerns regarding the separation of club and stadium.
Derby owner David Clowes said: “Having secured our goal of maintaining our Championship status after promotion from League One, we felt it was the right time to make this change.”
In strict accordance with club regulations, the changes were discussed fully with the Supporters’ Board.
A club spokesman added: “ The issue of where Pride Park sits and the protections around ensuring the club and stadium remain together, has been a regular topic of discussion at each meeting since the formation of the Supporters’ Board. We are grateful for their insight and analysis on this change of structure.”
In a statement released today, the Supporters Board said: “The Supporters’ Board welcomes this change in Derby County’s company structure.
“The issue of the stadium ownership, which we accept was the result of the steps required at the time of the takeover of the club, has been a significant topic of discussion with the board.
“Members have been concerned that the separation of the stadium ownership from the club ownership could restrict our ability to fulfil our responsibilities and powers of consent over the ownership of the stadium.
“The Supporters’ Board is assured that the changes proposed will better allow us to fulfil this key responsibility and to protect such a critical club and community asset. We appreciate the positive engagement from the club on this issue”
