Derby County's unwanted anniversary underlines incredible transformation after their 'darkest hour'

Derby County chairman David Clowes lifts the League One runners up trophy
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


It is three years to the day since Derby County announced they would be going into administration as the darkest chapter in the club's history began.

From disastrous takeover attempts to transfer embargos and points deductions, not a day went by when fans feared what was on the front pages never mind the back. The date of September 17, 2021, has been been seared into the minds given it is the perfect reminder of just how perilous the situation was.

But at the same time, it also seems to be the perfect day to reflect on the remarkable transformation of a club that was down on its knees to one that is now beating its chest. Had it not been for David Clowes, there was every chance Derby would cease to exist given the financial peril they found themselves was to the tune of millions.

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But the tale of Mel Morris flying too close to the sun is firmly in the rearview mirror and the city will remain eternally grateful to Clowes, the lifelong fan and local businessman, for securing the future of the club he adores. When you think back to what he inherited to what he is now proudly the custodian of, the difference could not be starker in contrast. Derby were essentially reduced to ground zero when he arrived with just five contracted players on the books.

But slowly and surely the ramparts of a proud football club have been rebuilt with distinction culminating in the champage-drenched celebrations of promotion from League One last season. Nobody will ever forget that afternoon against Carlisle when the city was brought to a virtual standstill as a result of a season that was unforgettable.

Fans will always judge a club's success by what happens on the pitch but their progress off it should be just as worthy of the headline writers' attention. The academy is slowly being rebuilt with investment in young players having been ransacked of its jewels in the crown prior to Clowes' takeover.

The first-team squad is now blessed with some sharp talent such as Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and Kenzo Goudmjn who have already made a huge impression since Derby's return to the second tier. Paul Warne has done a brilliant job of knitting it all together, Pride Park is bouncing every week and Derby feels a club a long way from the chaotic entity it was before Clowes signed the cheques to save the club from going bust.

And now sitting eighth in the Championship having made a solid start to life back in the second tier, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about a journey that has only just begun for a club that is stable and dreaming of its long-term aim to return to the Premier League. . And that is why the date of September 17, 2021 should not just serve as a reminder of Derby's darkest hour, but a time to reflect on just how far they've come.

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