What next for Clowes-funded Derby revival?

David Clowes took Derby out of administration in the summer of 2022

As with any new football club owner, supporters want to know if their club is in the right hands and with someone capable of setting out achievable goals.

Derby County’s plight in 2022 had become so desperate in administration that they were days from oblivion.

David Clowes' decision to take the step from North Stand season ticket holder to the Pride Park directors box was one of heart and head.

At the time he told BBC Radio Derby: “I would never have forgiven myself if I had the means to save the club and didn’t do it.”

Fast forward to the two-year anniversary of saving the club he grew up supporting, and he has shown an intent to do right by those who support it.

An investment of £55m has seen the Rams stabilise financially and repair all of the relationships so severely damaged when the club was heading into its downward spiral.

The pursuit of Paul Warne as head coach was a masterstroke by Clowes, who's football knowledge as a chairman and owner is not to be sniffed at.

If you need to get yourself out of a fix in double quick time, who do you call?

Some fans have called Warne the 'League One Guardiola' and his achievement to get Derby promoted back to the Championship last weekend has underlined that phrase.

It is Warne’s fourth promotion, having had success with his former club Rotherham United on three occasions.

This promotion comes as an opportunity for Warne to prove himself in the second tier after his three previous successes ended with relegation the season after.

At Derby, his budget will be bigger which will give him chance to attract players at a higher price.

Derby’s chief executive Stephen Pearce said in February: "The wage bill is now running at about 45% of our revenues and I believe we've put a squad together that is there to compete with other clubs in this division and we'll continue to progress that moving forwards - but in a sustainable manner.”

Clearly those figures will rise as the Rams recruit to stabilise themselves in the Championship.

Promotion opens up further revenue streams for the club, explains football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

“The good news is that Derby will generate around another £7m to £8m a year from the new EFL television deal," he said.

"The reason for that is 80% of the total goes to clubs in the Championship rather than just 12% in League One.”

Pride Park was sold out on several occasions in League One and in the Championship the matchday revenue will increase with more away fans.

“It’s a big division with big clubs,” said Maguire.

“On the revenue side, there are lots of positives. They’ll be able to get a more lucrative front-of-shirt deal as they are likely to be chosen by the broadcasters for matches.

"All of those are the plus points, but the down side is that it is an expensive division to be in.

"The average wage bill is £31m whereas Derby’s last season was £17m. You have to be prepared to spend.”