New Derby owner immediately delivers on transfer promise with five signings

Derby County fans could get used to this.

After what has been nigh-on two years of very little to cheer about, the last two days have finally seen them start to look upwards. Friday night saw a long-awaited takeover confirmed, with local businessman David Clowes completing his purchase of the Rams.

Then on Saturday supporters were treated to a flurry of signings. The club unveiled the news on its social media channels with the quintet announced over a two-hour period much to the delight of long-suffering Pride Park regulars. It goes some way to bolstering the squad ahead of a season in League One, after relegation last season.

First through the door was striker Tom Barkhuizen. The 28-year-old arrives following his release by Preston North End. He was followed by a double swoop for goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith, 26, and winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, 30, after the duo both left Sheffield Wednesday this summer.

To cap off the good news Derby also announced that academy graduate duo Eiran Cashin and Liam Thompson, both 20, have extended their deals. All five players have signed two-year contracts.

Upon joining Derby, Mendez-Laing told the club's website he was itching for a fresh challenge: "That's a massive reason for me joining. I didn't want to be part of something where they, as a club, aren't playing for much or I'm just there to take part. I want to be part of the journey this club is about to go on."

The swift signings came after Clowes pledged to bulk up the squad given the short turnaround following his purchase.

Speaking after completing his takeover, the lifelong Derby fan-turned-owner said: "Circumstances dictated that our ownership bid was swift and that means we will be taking the proper amount of time to assess how the club operates and any changes we might need to make. What I will say, is that the playing side of the club will receive every support possible.

"It's vital we start work on recruitment immediately and, for that, we will rely on the expertise of the existing staff as well as bringing in a support structure to help them move as quickly as possible to build a side that will be competitive in time for the new season."

Interim manager Liam Rosenior, who took over duties following Wayne Rooney's departure last month, will now be targeting even more acquisitions as he looks to build a squad capable of competing for promotion at the first time of asking.

It is highly likely the team that takes to the field on the first day at home to Oxford United will be unrecognisable from the one which finished last season. Of the starting XI that lost 1-0 to Cardiff on May 7, six players have departed the club.