3/1 To Win
Derby County is pleased to confirm three new appointments to the club’s Board of Directors.
David Williams, John Kirkland and Roy McFarland have all taken up non-executive director roles with immediate effect.
David Williams is Chairman of national law firm Geldards, a highly experienced lawyer and business adviser specialising in business development, strategic and general management, commercial property and private client advisory matters.
He holds a number of non-executive and trustee positions, including being Chairman of EMB Group Limited and Vice Chairman of Governors of Derby College - one of the largest FE Colleges in the country.
John Kirkland OBE has held the position of Chairman of the Bowmer & Kirkland Group of companies since 1976.
In 1999 he received the OBE for services to Derbyshire, in particular for his former role as Chairman of Derbyshire Ambulance Service. He served as Chair of both the Derbyshire Learning and Skills Council (LSC) from 2000-2008 and the LSC East Midlands Regional Council from 2004-2008.
In 2001 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Derby. He is a National Literacy Trust Reading Champion for the National Reading Campaign, and is also a Governor of Landau Forte College, Derby.
He previously sat on the Rams’ board between 1981 to 2002 and became President in 2006, until the club changed ownership in 2008.
Roy McFarland was a huge success during 15 years, in two spells, at the Baseball Ground over the course of the 1960s, 70s and 80s as a player - and he is considered one of Derby County’s all-time greats for his outstanding displays in central defence.
He was a Brian Clough signing in the late 1960s and a key member of the Derby side which won promotion to the First Division in 1969. He continued to be a vitally important player in the First Division title-triumphs of 1972 and 1975, both on and off the field.
Capped by England on 28 occasions during his career, Roy was the first-ever winner of Derby County’s Player of the Year Award, the Jack Stamps Trophy. He later went on to act as assistant manager to Peter Taylor and Arthur Cox before taking over the reins himself in 1993, holding the position until the summer of 1995. He has been a Club Ambassador since 2015.
The trio join Derby County Owner and Chairman Mel Morris, Chief Operating Officer John Vicars and Chief Financial Officer Stephen Pearce on the Board.
David Williams said: “I was privileged and honoured to receive the call from Mel Morris, asking if I would agree to become a director. I am acutely aware that with the privilege comes the responsibility of trying to help ensure that the club delivers the success its fans deserve. I know that Mel is determined to deliver stability after a time of turmoil and I am keen to help with that. Nothing is ever certain in sport, but as a long-term fan myself, I recognise that success – on and off the field – is the ingredient we are working for.”
John Kirkland said: “I have served Derby County in a number of roles before and when Mel approached me again, it was an easy decision for me to make. I realise the importance of the club to its supporters and the local community. I hope that my previous experience in serving the club will help. It is like no other business and I look forward to helping shape its development.”
Roy McFarland added: “I am very honoured to have been asked to join the Board of Derby County Football Club. I hope my experience as player, coach, manager and ambassador will help in some way.
“I wish Gary Rowett, his staff, players and our loyal supporters, good luck for the coming season.”
Chairman Mel Morris said: “I am absolutely delighted that David, John and Roy have agreed to join the Board.
“The Geldards team has provided corporate and legal advice to many of my businesses for two decades.As Chairman of Geldards, David has been a sage and trusted advisor at key moments. I am sure that David's knowledge, pragmatism and experience will be of great benefit to us. As a long-term Rams supporter David shares our quest for success.
“John Kirkland requires little if any introduction to the people of Derby and Derbyshire. He has experience as a director for Derby County over almost three decades between 1981 to 2002, and 2006 to 2008. I look forward to John bringing his considerable experience, management skills and straight talking to the board.
“Roy McFarland is synonymous with Derby County Football Club. He is a true ‘statesman’ in the football world. He speaks his mind with respect and is an exemplar of key qualities we need in this great club. I am honoured he has decided to give the Board the benefit of his considerable experience which spans over six decades.
“These appointments complete our Board of Directors and provide us with a group rich in talent, knowledge, experience and love of the club.”
