Derby County owner David Clowes is continuing work to transform the operations of the club behind the scenes.
Derby County have published an update on their plans for a Supporters Board, welcoming fans to put their name forward for the role of Independent Director. The position comes as part of a change to the structure of the club for the long-term.
The Rams are coming off the back of a difficult few years in regards to ownership and their future. Previous owner Mel Morris put the club in administration in September 2021, following a mounting of debt and financial concerns.
Several bidders came forward, but never quite sealed the deal until David Clowes stepped in last minute to save the team he supports. “I think if we hadn’t taken over, in another week it would have gone,” Clowes told BBC Radio Derby in 2023.
Since then, there has been plenty of change on the pitch, with Paul Warne looking to earn Derby promotion back to the Championship. Away from the action, there’s been a clear approach to return the Rams to their roots.
Identity colours have been displayed, showing each facet of life at the club from foundation through to the community impact. Another key change being setup is the implementation of a Supporters Board.
Derby County Supporters Board
The idea of the newly implemented system, as explained by a statement from Derby, is to meet with the board quarterly for discussions. The supporters will then hold a key veto over important aspects of the club such as the colours, the stadium and club crest – which can only be changed with their consent.
This ensures that the values always upheld with regards to the supporters, no matter who the owner is and their wishes for the club. There is also space for discussions over financial accounts and strategy, though there is only collaboration and no veto for these topics.
A further update from Derby has welcomed applications for a supporter to become the Independent Director for the Supporters Board. Applications through the club close on 1 April and will move the club one step closer to giving the supporters a say.
Given the dark place Derby have been in recent years, along with the general disconnect felt from some supporters, it could be a change that goes a long way in putting the fans first, no matter the regime in charge.