ADAM PEARSON has become chairman of Derby – a week after ending his £3m-plus interest in Town.

But the nature of his arrival at the Premiership’s bottom club will leave many Galpharm supporters puzzled.

Outgoing Derby chairman Peter Gadsby insisted: “I want to make clear that Adam joining does not represent a takeover.

“But we wanted to introduce someone who can take us forward in running the club.

“Adam was prepared to put in an investment of his own as a demonstration of his commitment to Derby County.”

That sounds similar to the proposal put forward by Town owner Ken Davy, who offered Pearson a 40% holding and the chairmanship.

Davy asked Pearson to match the £1.7m investment he had already put in and offered to continue to provide 60% of any future funding.

Pearson, who was not responding to Examiner phone calls, rejected Davy’s offer .

He told reporters in the East Midlands: “The board and I will continue to offer (manager) Billy Davies full support in our quest to remain in the Premier League.

“We will be exploring all options available to ensure a successful January transfer window.”