- Peter Gadsby
Peter Gadsby is a millionaire property developer and lifelong
Derby County fan who led a consortium to buy out Derby County football club in 2006.Derby County takeover
After securing the takeover of the club, Gadsby and his consortium set about hiring a manager who could rebuild the Derby squad, which at the end of a disappointing season had only one recognised striker, in the form of
Paul Peschisolido . After a decision-making process which took some time, formerPreston North End manager,Billy Davies was installed as the Ram's new manager.The consortium managed to clear a significant proportion of the club's debts, which had reportedly risen to an estimated £52 million, as well as restoring ownership ofPride Park to the club. As a result, Davies was allowed a respectable transfer budget, andSteve Howard was Derby's first £1 million signing since 2000.Impact at Derby County
Gadsby and the consortium were welcomed to Derby as heroes after purchasing the club. Under the management of Billy Davies, the new board had a '3 year plan' with which they planned to rebuild the team, and allow them to challenge for promotion into the premiership. However, in January 2007, Derby were top of the table, and looking like promotion contenders. The board decided to release more money for transfers, seeing the arrival of Craig Fagan, David Jones and others. Derby didn't manage to secure automatic promotion. Instead they found themselves in a toughly contested game against
West Bromwich Albion , which was reportedly worth £60 million in premiership TV rights for the 2007/08 season. Derby managed to win the game 1-0, making it back to the premier division after a 5 year absence.New 3 year Plan
On 29 May 2007, Gadsby made it known on an interview to
Sky Sports that he had discussed with other premiership chairmen a possible financial model for Derby County. He also mentioned another '3 year plan' in which he hoped to expand the stadium and bring European football to Pride Park. Gadsby also mentioned that whilst ensuring that the club did not overspend, a significant amount of money for transfers would be available.It is believed that such "3 year plans" were influenced by Mr. J
Stalin and the effectiveness of several of his own5 year plan s. It is rumoured in Derby that their success in achieving the plan ahead of schedule was down to "hard work and a collective effort".Career in Property Development Success
Peter Gadsby's CV includes the chairmanship of Miller Birch and [http://www.cedar-house.co.uk Cedar House Investments]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
