What will a new Chairman mean to Derby County? Does new investment bring new hope for survival in the Premiership?

Or perhaps it is just the continued evolution of a football club on the rise.

There is no doubt that history will show Peter Gadsby and his board were a group who not only saved the club from self-destruction but took it forward faster, with more success than any fan could have ever dreamed of at the time.

It seems Mr Gadsby has walked away from the position because of many factors but much speculation has centred on one of them being criticism and personal attacks from sections of Derby County fandom. If this is the case, that group should be ashamed this was the end result after all he had achieved for the club. A vast majority of supporters will forever be grateful to Mr Gadsby and a board who not only resurrected the club but sent life pulsing through its veins once again.

The facts surrounding the appointment of new chairman Adam Pearson are a bit sketchy in terms of investment and the final agreements reached by the parties involved. It seems for around 3.5 million pounds Pearson bought a controlling share in the club and will oversee day to day running. 

Peter Gadsby refused to label it as a takeover as he shifted to a position on the Rams board but instead sited his desire to take a back seat and once again concentrate on his other business interests as a reason for stepping sideways. Gadsby also expressed the need for the club to source external investment as it strives to grow and in turn secure its position in the Premier league.

Peter Taylor this week described Adam Pearson as ‘by far the best Chairman he had worked under'. Taylor's opinions were a glowing endorsement of not only the new Chairman but in turn Billy Davies who he said was held in high regard by himself and Pearson. Taylor's comments would seem to be supported by the fact that together he and Pearson lead Hull to two promotions in as many seasons. 

If Taylor and those in the know are correct, the Rams have gained a football savvy leader who will bring much to the club and the timing could not have been better. With no disrespect to Peter Gadsby, Derby County need guidance in not only investment and financial consolidation but also in football matters. A man, who can juggle the needs of a football department and that of the greater good of the club, could prove the crucial factor in achieving and sustaining success.

The transfer window gets closer by the day and points are desperately needed to ensure that opportunity will still be of any use to the Rams. Keeping in touch with the bottom half is imperative and that it is up to Billy and his players to rise to that challenge. Peter Taylor made mention that Davies will enjoy working with Pearson and will find that he is very hands on and organised, this extra support could be a major factor in where the club sits come January.

New Chairman aside, Derby County need to pick up points and start doing it soon. Getting it right off the field is a very important part of modern day football but that said it is what happens on the field that determines what direction a club is heading. One can only hope that both will be heading in an upwards direction together, sooner than later.

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Photo: Action Images via Reuters