Derby County fans finally got their wish granted on Friday night.
After nine long months of the club wallowing in administration and after numerous botched takeovers, David Clowes completed his purchase of the club. A lifelong fan, Clowes said getting the deal over the line was a proud moment and that joy was certainly matched by Rams' fans.
There is now genuine optimism ahead of the club's first season in the third tier since 1986 after a wretched 18 months that has included transfer embargoes, points deductions, administration and culminated in relegation. Clowes knows all too well the task he and those members of staff tasked with the recruitment aspect are up against.
The new season begins in just four weeks' time. As it stands, Derby do not even have enough senior players to fill a team. They have just 10 players at present.
This includes no goalkeeper, four defenders (Nathan Byrne, Krystian Bielik, Eiran Cashin and Lee Buchanan), four midfielders (Max Bird, Louie Sibley, Jason Knight and Liam Thompson) and two forwards (Jack Stretton and Bartosz Cybulski). All but two of those are aged 21 or under.
Speaking after completing his takeover, Clowes admits the club are in a race to bulk up the squad: "Circumstances dictated that our ownership bid was swift and that means we will be taking the proper amount of time to assess how the club operates and any changes we might need to make.
"What I will say, is that the playing side of the club will receive every support possible. It’s vital we start work on recruitment immediately and, for that, we will rely on the expertise of the existing staff as well as bringing in a support structure to help them move as quickly as possible to build a side that will be competitive in time for the new season."
Prior to the takeover being rubber-stamped on Friday, another two players left Pride Park. Midfielder Louie Watson, 21, was poached by Championship side Luton with a compensation fee having been agreed between the clubs, avoiding a tribunal.
Also on Friday former Manchester United player Ravel Morrison effectively called time on his stint with Derby. He took to social media, saying: "Thank you @dcfcofficial all the players, staff & fans for making me feel at home, was a season full of ups and down, but was a real honour to be part of such a wonderful club. I wish everyone at the club success moving forward."
Morrison, 29, is one of a number of players whose deals expired last month and is now free to sign for a new club. Already the Rams have seen the likes of Kelle Roos and Malcolm Ebiowei depart for Aberdeen and Crystal Palace respectively.
The futures of long-serving duo Tom Lawrence and Curtis Davies remains unclear. The past week has not only seen new owners but a new man in the dugout, with former assistant boss Liam Rosenior stepping up to fill the void left by Wayne Rooney.
The ex-England and Man United striker stepped down after 17 months in charge saying it had been "one of the hardest decisions" he had to make in his career. In a message to Derby fans, he wrote: "Thanks for taking me in as one of your own. Please get behind the next manager and give them what you gave me, trust, loyalty, and unbelievable support."
Derby begin the campaign at home to Oxford on July 30.
