GSE’ s Chairman and CEO Andy Appleby, has spoken to the ‘Crain’s Detroit Business’ about the company’s involvement with the Rams during a recent interview, in what could be described as bad timing.

I am sure when Mr Appleby conducted the interview he had no idea of what was beginning to unravel at the Rams or for that matter think Derby County fans would find the article and use it as a place to vent their frustrations.

The article gives a potted history of DCFC and GSE's involvement:

He assembled and led an investment consortium that in January 2008 bought Derby County F.C. Ltd., an English professional soccer team (and its 33,597-seat Pride Park Stadium), for $100 million. He's now the team's chairman and continues efforts to introduce American-style management and handling of the team. The goal is to return Derby County to the elite Premier League after continued losing relegated the franchise to association football's second tier The Football Championship league.

Following that fabulously comprehensive overview (did you like the “due to continued losing” bit? – a phrase I shall be using more in my articles) it goes on to ask some in depth questions of the CEO:

Q: What have you learned that you didn't expect since buying the soccer team?

A: I think the biggest thing I have learned is that, somewhat unlike professional sports here in the States, the fans there are 100 percent focused on the game. For the most part, things like luxury boxes and premium food items don't matter as much to these fans; all they care about is winning. It's been the only game in town for 127 years and they take it very seriously.

Q: What are the notable differences between owning an American pro sports franchise and a British team?

A: Again, it would be the microscope that we are under being the only show in town. While many pro sports teams here in the U.S. share the spotlight with other teams in their respective towns, in Derby we are the main event. The season is basically year-round and there is no hiding during the off-season when another team is getting covered. Also because of relegation and promotion of teams each year, every game truly matters throughout the season.

Q: What American-style business and marketing practices to did you bring to Derby County, and how have they worked or not worked?

A:I think the biggest thing we've brought is a much greater degree of fan (customer) service. We really try to show our fans we care and do lots of special things for them that in the past were not done.

One could be sarcastic and suggest that one of the ‘special things’ not done in the past is not buying us players, but as I am not inclined to be cynical I shall end that point here.

Derby County fans definitely saw this article as an opportunity to get the message through to Andy that all is not well and they are not happy.

Various Rams message boards have encouraged supporters to sign up for the site (who must think there readership has suddenly doubled) and politely give Mr. Appleby a heads up that they are far from pleased with the way things are progressing at Pride Park.

As fans look to convey their message to those in charge in any way possible, one can only hope they heed the warning signs and look to rectify the rift before it develops into the messy stand off we have seen at other clubs, where board and supporters are on different pages.

You can read the full article HERE and perhaps add your opinion to the impressive list that has already been added. Just remember to keep it polite and to the point as anything less degrades the debate and gives those it is aimed at an excuse to ignore it.

The best result is for all parties to work together but it seems increasingly obvious that without significant new investment in playing stocks, fans are likely to grow more disillusioned by the week.

Photo: Action Images

pkay_brum added 13:49 - Feb 4 We've read your nice article, Mr Appleby; hopefully someone has drawn your attention to the comprehensive assessment from Rams fans in the blog below the full article....
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