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Derby County supporters are eagerly expecting a big summer, and it is not just transfers that the Pride Park faithful will be keen to see in the coming weeks.
Rams fans have been waiting for investment for a number of months, and there are positive signs that the club are moving in the correct direction after surviving in the Championship on the final day of the season.
With a new pitch being put in place at Pride Park, and the retained list over two weeks old, full focus is now on what comes next in the East Midlands and there is a new face on the board in DE24.
Derby have brought in John Taylor as the club’s Chief Financial Officer, someone that has previous experience at Coventry City and rivals Nottingham Forest. But now questions will be asked what this means for the heavily-rumoured investment.
Derby County bring in new Chief Financial Officer
Taylor’s appointment will excite supporters, particularly at this time of year when there is plenty of action, but fans may just have to wait for any update on a new investor.
To understand this appointment further, EFL Analysis’ finance expert, Adam Williams, has explained more on what the new Chief Financial Officer will do at Derby.
He said: “I wouldn’t say that new CFO is precursor to fresh investment per se, but John Taylor will have a key role to play if and when Derby County do secure that new equity partner.
“A CFO will have input on negotiations and advise Clowes on payments terms and the value of the club based on their own data. I believe it would also be the CFO’s responsibility to answer direct queries about the financial statements and give any would-be buyer full access to what’s known as the ‘data room’.”
Adam continued: “This is basically a full, granular breakdown of almost every facet of the club’s finances which goes well beyond the information that Derby report in the accounts. Any party looking at it would have to sign an NDA.
“So the CFO will have an important role to play. Derby’s CEO, Stephen Pearce, was CFO before he became chief executive, so that gives you an indication of the ladder in terms of seniority.”
David Clowes seems to be preparing for a big summer transfer window
After Derby narrowly avoided relegation, they know they can ill-afford to find themselves in the same position next May as they were in last season, but there is reason to be positive with Eustace at the helm.
The club’s CEO, Stephen Pearce, has told supporters to be prepared for a busy transfer window and they have already started it off, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing leaving for MK Dons as he reunites with Paul Warne.
If investment does come in as planned, then the Rams will need to act quickly to fill their squad with more quality – particularly in the forward areas.
Eustace will have a clear plan for the transfer window, but he needs help if he wants to achieve his ambitions and with Taylor on board, there will be hope that the process is starting to gather pace.