Fresh reaction given to big Derby County, Mike Ashley takeover news - 'I am not impressed' | OneFootball

FLW's Derby Fan Pundit Shaun has given his thoughts on the club's takeover links.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Derby County are continuing to be linked with a potential takeover.

Last month, it was reported that John Textor is interested in a bid to purchase the Rams, who secured their Championship status last term following promotion from League One.

Derby have been linked to a possible sale or outside investment for some time, with Mike Ashley also reportedly interested, alongside James Bord, who was central to Sheffield United's move towards an AI-driven recruitment model over the summer months.

Football League World's Rams Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, is adamant that the club need to stay away from all three names as they look towards the future.

"I am not impressed" - Derby County takeover claim dropped

"If I am totally honest, I am not impressed by any of those names," Shaun told FLW when asked who would be the number one pick and why.

"John Textor has not got a good reputation at any of the clubs he's involved in, and I don't think that his heart will be in the club. It is just a business to him. Whereas, for David Clowes, it means a lot. He's passionate about Derby County, and that is what we want at the club."

A lifelong Rams supporter, Clowes took control of the club in 2022, before he helped to guide the club back to the Championship after a spell in the third tier.

"James Bord - a disaster at Sheffield United," added Shaun. "He has made his money through gambling, and I don't think that he comes across as a footballing man. He has a different approach to the statistics. When you are a football person, stats are great, but they are not everything."

"I don't think that he would come across well to fans at all, and I think that Sheffield United fans would back this up. He has had a disaster with players he has brought in, and the manager brought in."

Following the Blades' play-off final loss against Sunderland earlier this year, the club decided to part ways with the much-adored Chris Wilder and put their eggs in the basket of Ruben Selles. The move could not have panned out any worse, with Selles sacked after five straight defeats to open the campaign - and Wilder soon reinstated.

This is something that Sheffield United are still paying the price for, with the club still sitting 19th in the Championship standings.

"On Mike Ashley, he had some good times at Newcastle. And out of the three, you would say that he's a little more respected in football. But even then, it is still just a toy to him. I don't think he's the type to come in and care about the club, wanting to make it successful. It is more about making him money," said Shaun.

"I think the fact that they've been linked with both Sheffield Wednesday and Derby shows that these clubs are just little pawns in their game. I would rather see David Clowes, and us live within our means and slowly consolidate on what we have done over the last few years."

Shaun concluded, saying: "If that means it takes longer to get where we want to be, then so be it."

Derby are heading in the right direction - fans may have to make sacrifice

In a footballing landscape featuring owners with little connections to clubs across the nation, it is refreshing to see a case like Derby, with a lifelong supporter holding the reins.

Naturally, the Rams may have to be more financially prudent as they look to challenge in the division, but this is something that supporters may be willing to endure if it means that their club is in steady hands.

John Textor would arrive with his fair share of controversy, given his reputation among the Lyon fanbase, particularly, while Derby should be desperate to avoid becoming a cog in a multi-club scheme.

Ashley proved his ability to run a tight financial ship at Newcastle before the lack of long-term ambition and promotion of his own brands ultimately stained his reputation. While James Bord is someone whose reputation is not exactly the highest after the failures of Sheffield United over the summer.

As mentioned by Shaun, Derby may have to learn to live within their means under David Clowes, but this could be hugely beneficial for the club moving forward.

After securing their second-tier status this calendar year, John Eustace was backed to guide the club further up the standings. And after a slow start to the term, the Rams are beginning to reap the rewards, with the club currently in and around what is an incredibly tight race for the play-offs.

Derby are heading in the right direction under David Clowes, and fans may opt to sacrifice the instant financial gratification for a more long-term view under the guidance of someone who is Rams through and through.