Derby confirm new owners

Derby have confirmed the US-based General Sports and Entertainment (GSE) group as the new owners of the club.

The Rams announced on Friday that they have been successfully taken over by American investors, but their identity was not expected to be revealed until a press conference scheduled for 2pm today.

It has also been confirmed that the takeover will not involve the Barclays Premier League’s bottom club taking on any debt.

GSE chairman Andy Appleby, who established the group in 1998, told www.dcfc.co.uk: "We are excited about the opportunity to make a significant impact at Derby County with our collective sports industry knowledge of best practices in management, sales and marketing.

“We have visited Derby County over the last six months and experienced a match day at Pride Park Stadium, where we were impressed with the incredible potential of the club and the loyalty of the fan base.”

Appleby will join chairman Adam Pearson – who is to retain his position – on the club’s board, along with Tom Glick, who is to be brought in as a new president and chief executive.