Pearson Leaves as Chariman of Football

Adam Pearson has left his role as Chairman of Football at Pride Park with Tom Glick looking set to take over his duties. The official club statement read:

"The decision for Adam to leave has been reached through mutual consent and all parties believe it to be in the best interests of the Club and the individuals involved."

Rumours had surfaced earlier in the day about a possible return to Hull City for Pearson with Tigers` chairman Paul Duffen`s position in doubt and SkySports News broke his 'resignation` before dcfc.co.uk provided the club`s official line on the matter. Andy Appleby was quoted as saying "Adam leaves with our thanks and best wishes for whatever challenge he chooses to pursue next."

Pearson became chairman of the club in 2007, during the inglorious worst ever Premiership season, for a reported £3.5m investment and succeeded Peter Gadsby in that role after coming in more for his ability to find investors than to invest his own money into the club. He famously clashed with manager Billy Davies after the fiery Scot claimed to have not spoken to him for two or three weeks after a home defeat to Chelsea and he was gone by the Monday. He oversaw the appointment of Paul Jewell and also played a major role in bringing in US-based General Sports and Entertainment in as owners of the club in January 2008 before relegation was 'clinched` and club returned to the Championship.

Fairly major investment in the squad before the start of the 2008/9 season saw expectations high but after a pre-Christmas run of form gave way to some poor results Jewell resigned and the new owner`s backed Pearson again in his bid to bring Nigel Clough to the club. After a summer of squad trimming and bringing the wage bill under control this season looks very much to be one of consolidation whilst Clough works to change the team around.

Mr. Pearson certainly raised the profile of the club and whilst he made mistakes he was always fairly honest about this despite a growing air of conspiracy amongst some fans in relation to the American owners and he has hopefully help to lay the foundations of a turnaround in fortunes and finances for The Rams.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.