Who is James Bord? The potential new Derby County owner - he could replace David Clowes | OneFootball

Football League World has taken a detailed look at who James Bord is amid links to Derby County takeover

James Bord has been linked with a Derby County takeover.

John Eustace’s side have experienced a strong upturn in form recently, winning six of their last eight Championship matches to move away from the relegation zone and onto the brink of the play-offs.

This marks a sizeable improvement when compared to the position they were in this time last year, desperately trying to avoid relegation back down to League One.

The Rams could soon also enjoy new ownership, with journalist Alan Nixon recently reporting that multiple parties are looking to secure a deal to buy them.

Former Crystal Palace stakeholder John Textor has emerged as the frontrunner, whilst Mike Ashley and James Bord have also been noted as people interested in taking over at Pride Park.

Bord isn’t as well-known to the public in comparison to Ashley and Textor, so Football League World have delved deep into who the man eyeing up a Derby County takeover really is.

Who James Bord really is amid Derby County takeover links

Born in London, the 44-year-old made his name as an ex-professional poker player, but has not played professionally in over a decade.

Bord reportedly earned a fortune of $4 million from the card game, after leaving the world of finance in his mid-20s to focus on playing poker full-time.

He became the first British champion the World Series of Poker Europe Main Event in 2010 when he landed an incredible $1,313,611, competing against Brighton owner Tony Bloom.

After leaving the world of gambling, Bord ventured into data science with his company Short Circuit Science.

The firm specialises in sports data analytics, alongside medical prescription technology and climate adoption analysis. Harnessing the power of AI, this work includes player analysis that feeds into training programmes, creating formations and player development.

Bord has been involved with Sheffield United’s new owners COH Sports in a consultant-type role, with his company helping to drive forward the Blades’ AI-based approach to signing players.

The former poker star became co-owner of Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic earlier this year and also holds a minority stake in Spanish La Liga 2 side Cordoba CF.

Bord is based in Las Vegas, splitting his time between his home country of England and the United States.

James Bord still remains somewhat of an unknown prospect

Although plenty of information is readily available about Bord’s past, there are still some doubts about the former poker star’s ability to run Derby.

His net worth isn’t readily available, but that doesn’t matter if he can prove his finances to the relevant parties during the takeover process.

However, he has no experience of running a football club in the English game, whilst Textor and Ashley have both been on the inside of Premier League outfits.

Furthermore, his data-driven approach which was adopted by Sheffield United hasn’t worked out, which would add another layer of doubt for Derby fans.