Derby County investment latest - John Eustace comments, David Clowes stance and talks held
John Eustace has acknowledged Derby County are working to bring more investment into the club.
The new Rams head coach has spoken to owner David Clowes about the situation and prospect of investors. These comments come midway through the third year since Clowes Developments took the club out of administration and following months of speculation about future outside investment coming in.
Staying in the Championship this season is the immediate concern, but it is now clear that work is being done behind the scenes to secure investment in the future. DerbyshireLive has the latest on this prospective investment.
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What we know about the potential investment
Clowes is open to selling up to 80 per cent of his shares in Derby and has already held talks with potential investors, but no deal is imminent. One of the conditions of any agreement could be that Clowes remains chairman, with another being that the investors align with the principles and vision of the club.
DerbyshireLive understands the club and the stadium will remain under common ownership as part of any new investment and that there is no prospectus for investors, so nothing such has been sent to interested parties. The club's current business plan means they have funds for the remainder of this season and the following two campaigns.
What Eustace said
Eustace addressed the subject of potential investment during his first press conference on Thursday since becoming Derby's new head coach. "There might be a prospect of investors, but I know the club is working very hard to bring more investment in," he said.
"If not, the club is still in a very good position."
What Clowes has said
Clowes addressed the prospect of investment in an interview with BBC Radio Derby last summer on the second anniversary of his takeover.
Asked whether the club's five-year plan involves outside investors, he replied: "We wouldn't turn down investment if we go down that route.
"But at the end of the day, it's not about me; it's about what's best for Derby County Football Club." Clowes acknowledged: "It would certainly help us going forward.
"If our aim is to get out of the Championship and get into the Premier League, then yeah, why not?
"We have to aim as high as we possibly can."
