Derby County: Mel Morris appointed as a director

Derby County have announced local businessman Mel Morris as a director.

The 58-year-old, who was born in Derby and was previously on the Rams board during the 2006/07 season, is one of the main shareholders in the company behind the Candy Crush game series.

Morris has also taken up a "significant minority shareholding".

"I am delighted," Morris said. "I hope I can further strengthen the incredibly positive position the club enjoys on and off the pitch."

The Rams finished third in the Championship this season and were beaten in the play-off final at Wembley on Saturday.

Morris is non-executive chairman of King Digital Entertainment, which was recently valued at more than £2bn.

He added: "The last 12 months has seen this club make considerable strides in the right direction. From the outside looking in, I have been very impressed with the professionalism and humility at all levels.

"To have been within a whisker of making the Premier League shows how well the team, under the exciting and capable guidance of Steve McClaren and his coaching staff, performed on the pitch this season. It is evident to me that Derby County is a very well-run operation."