Derby County owner David Clowes expresses 'real concern' over proposed season ticket solution

Derby County owner David Clowes has said he would rather supporters did not buy a season ticket if it means getting themselves into debt.

Clowes expressed "real concern" about suggestions that Derby fans should be taking out loans to pay for their season tickets while the club irons out a routine direct debit issue. He assured fans the club is "not worth getting into debt over" and suggested match-by-match tickets on a temporary basis as a possible solution.

The club are "working around the clock" to resolve the direct debit issue, which is a standard problem faced by companies coming out of administration. Clowes' statement this morning is an important one and reassures supporters the club are in safe hands.

In a statement issued on Friday morning, Clowes said: "It is with real concern that I have read about Derby County fans being advised to take out loans to cover the cost of their season tickets.

"Can I stress, there are no complications surrounding the club’s inability to implement a direct debit scheme at the moment, it is simply a regulatory process that every business coming out of administration faces.

"We have suggested to fans who are waiting for the direct debit option to become available to hold tight and look at match by match ticket purchases as an interim measure.

"Ultimately, I cannot tell fans what to do but I would strongly urge people not to put themselves into debt to buy a season ticket.

"We are working around the clock to be able to make a breakthrough in the process and will continue to provide transparent and timely updates regarding direct debits.

"As a fan myself, I know what the club means to so many of you. But, in these tough financial times, I know it is not worth getting into debt over.