Derby County Football Club has announced that David Williams and John Kirkland have stepped down from the Board of Directors.


Mr Williams said the move represented a “natural step” in anticipation of potential investment coming into the club.

Mr Williams, Chairman of the legal firm Geldards LLP, and Mr Kirkland, former Chairman of Bowmer & Kirkland Group and former Derby County Club President, joined the Board as non-Executive Directors in 2017.

Mr Williams said: “When I joined at a time of change for the club, it was to help ensure strong corporate governance and assist on strategic direction. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Board but with the club preparing itself for potential new investment, I feel it is a natural step to move aside and allow my place on the Board for any new investor.”

Mr Kirkland said: “I now will be spending more of my time in the United States of America and therefore it would be difficult to give Derby County the time the Club, the Board and the fans deserve as it strives to achieve promotion to the Premier League. I have enjoyed a long association with the Club and will continue to do so on an informal level, and wish Mel and the team every success.”

Mel Morris CBE, Derby County Executive Chairman said: “I would like to place on record the fantastic work that both David and John have done and – on a personal and professional level - the support they have given myself, the Executive team and the Club, putting us in a position where we are very much ready for the next step forward.”