David Clowes has just issued a heartfelt statement to Derby County supporters.
It’s been a joyous few days in Derby after The Rams secured automatic promotion back to the Championship.
The East Midlanders were 2-0 victors against Carlisle United on the weekend, which sealed their top-two finish.
Derby chiefs can now start planning for life back in the second tier, as a big summer transfer window awaits.
15 players are out of contract, so there’ll be plenty of movement over the coming weeks.
Clowes has just issued an emotional message to Rams supporters following the promotion.
David Clowes reveals reason he bought Derby County
Clowes took over Derby back in the summer of 2022 whilst the club were in a perilous position.
Since then, he’s overseen a complete rebuild under the man he appointed a couple of months into his tenure, Paul Warne.
After sealing automatic promotion, the owner released a heartfelt message on Monday morning, which read: “There were dark times during this season, of course there were. Nothing that’s truly worth savouring comes easily, as Derby County fans we should all know that only too well!
“But we stayed strong as a club, players, staff and fans all shoulder-to-shoulder in the face of the adversity we inevitably faced, and we came through it together.
“I don’t need reminding why this club means so much to so many but on days when this stadium has been rocking or we’ve packed out away ends all over the country, I know why supporters deserve these moments of joy.”
Clowes continued: “I don’t want to keep harking back to when the future of this club was under threat because we want to write new stories.
“However, one of the deciding factors behind our decision to buy the club was the thought that Derby fans and generations of Derby fans to come might be deprived of moments like this, when all the bad times are forgotten for a moment of precious joy.”
What areas need strengthening in the summer
With promotion now sealed, Derby chiefs can turn their attention towards next season as the summer transfer window fast approaches.
At the back, The Rams are perhaps the strongest, considering their defensive record. The midfield and attack require a number of additions, though.
The Rams weren’t exactly free-scoring in League One so that notion will likely be amplified in the second tier.
James Collins, who is out of contract in the summer, finished as the top scorer with 14 goals, which isn’t particularly inspiring.
So Warne should certainly target a prolific centre-forward, along with options in wide areas and in the engine room.
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