Paul Warne gives ‘honest’ verdict on Derby County investment rumours with Premier League claim

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Derby County owner David Clowes is eyeing fresh investment as he aims to drive the Rams towards the Premier League.

Derby will forever thank David Clowes for saving the club in July 2022 after they were on the brink of extinction altogether.

Clowes has since spearheaded the Rams charge back to the Championship, hiring Paul Warne as manager in September 2022, who propelled them into the second tier this year.

Having successfully stabilised the club and created a sustainable business model, the Derby owner is open to selling 80% of his stake to bring in some much-needed capital.

Clowes wants to sell to a ‘serious and proper’ party while remaining as chairman and there could be a stumbling block in any potential agreement.

However, the fan-turned-owner acknowledges that, for Derby to reach the next level and compete with the division’s biggest sides, investment is needed.

• READ MORE: Finance expert reveals one stumbling block David Clowes faces in Derby County investment search

Paul Warne shares honest verdict on Derby County investment talk

Hiring Warne as manager two months after taking over at Pride Park is inarguably one of Clowes best decisions to date.

The appointment during that period was always going to be important as Derby were under a transfer embargo and Warne was used to working under a shoestring budget at Rotherham.

During his time at the Millers, he earned a reputation for being one of the best League One managers after winning three promotions, further cementing his legacy in Derbyshire.

The Rams have since started life back in the Championship with three wins from six matches and Warne has now had his say on the investment talk.

Warne acknowledges that it’s going to take a lot of finance to push Derby towards the Premier League and he’s not surprised that people are keen on investing.

Speaking to BBC Radio Derby, he said: “To be honest, I didn’t know the story had circulated, so that’s one good thing, but it doesn’t really affect me. I just get on with the business of looking after the team it’s the same way in you don’t get too affected when you are linked to this player or someone’s coming after one of your own.

“Historically, a lot has happened at this football club In the last few years, but I think everyone’s trying to push this team towards getting back to the Premier League and it’s going to take a lot of wins as well a lot of finance

“It doesn’t surprise me that there are always people who want to invest in this football club because it’s a good club to invest in. But it doesn’t really affect me in any way so I don’t lose sleep about it.

• READ MORE: Paul Warne handed Derby County injury boost as one player is now available to face Norwich City

What Paul Warne said about David Clowes

Warne is unsurprisingly focused on matters on the pitch as Derby prepare to host Norwich on Saturday lunchtime but he still took the time to praise Clowes.

The pair have had a really strong working relationship since he was brought into the club and Warne has explained how he’s ‘enjoyed’ working with the owner.

“If someone came in, invested in the club and it allowed us to be more powerful in transfer windows or something from a head coach point of view, great,” Warne said. “I’ve really enjoyed working for David, and I will continue to do so until someone tells me differently. I’m not trying to be too saccharine on my answer and too like well that’s a bit of a straight bat, but it makes no difference to me.”

For Derby, a side who have aspirations of reaching the Premier League, rich investment into the club can only be positive.

Warne will be handed a greater transfer budget to work with and in turn, can sign higher-profile players to propel them up the table.