Derby County Told to Steer Clear of Mike Ashley Takeover as Concerns Raised Over Potential Sale
Derby County owner David Clowes has been urged not to sell the club to former Newcastle United chief Mike Ashley, despite Clowes’ openness to welcoming new investment as the Rams look to take their next major step forward
The last few years have been a dramatic journey for Derby. After their 2022 relegation to League One and a turbulent period that saw the club plunge into administration, the situation looked bleak. But Clowes’ intervention — purchasing the club and restoring financial stability — proved to be the turning point.
Since arriving, Clowes has ensured steady cash flow, enabling Derby to rebuild strategically. That investment paid off with promotion back to the Championship in 2024, followed by a solid campaign in which the Rams successfully retained their second-tier status.
Clowes has consistently been transparent in his communications, including recent messages to fans in which he reiterated his willingness to invite external investment or even consider a full sale if it would truly elevate Derby County’s long-term future.
However, the idea of selling to Mike Ashley has sparked immediate pushback. Figures around the club and sections of the fanbase have warned against any Ashley-led takeover, pointing to concerns over his previous ownership style and the potential consequences for Derby’s stability.
Ashley, the former owner of Newcastle United and current head of Fraser Group, has been linked with various football acquisitions in recent years, but Derby supporters remain wary. Many fear that the culture of unity and steady rebuilding established under Clowes could be jeopardized by a shift toward Ashley’s more commercially aggressive approach.
For now, Clowes remains in control and continues to steer Derby on an upward trajectory, but the message from those close to the club is clear:
If a sale is to happen, Mike Ashley should not be the one leading the next chapter.