With the transfer window in full swing, HITC Sport takes a look and some of the best and the worst Derby County signings.
Over the years, we’ve seen many spectacular and strange signings in the transfer window. Moves that have amazed and mystified fans and journalists alike, along with the occasional “hidden gem” or the odd “flop”. Derby County are one club who have been subject to all of the above over the years, and so, HITC Sport has decided to take a look at some of the best and the worst of the Derby County’s transfer business.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
Possibly one of the best deals in the club’s recent history, Chris Martin joined the Rams from Norwich City on a free transfer (according to the BBC) in 2013. Having impressed during a loan spell, scoring twice in 13 appearances, the then Rams boss Nigel Clough moved quickly to bring the striker in, but it was not until the arrival of Steve McClaren that the striker really started to make an impact. Scoring 52 goals in three seasons, Martin has been one of Derby’s best strikers over the last decade and is perhaps one of the best free transfers ever in the Championship.
Scotland’s Chris Martin
Joining the Rams in 2011 from Scottish side Kilmarnock, Craig Bryson was another shrewd signing from former Derby manager Nigel Clough, who brought the midfielder to the club for a fee of around £350,000 according to the BBC. A captain at his former club, Bryson brought with him a sense of leadership and a warrior-spirit, becoming known during his five years at Derby as a midfield terrier. His best years undoubtedly came in the 2013/14 under Steve McClaren, where Bryson proved himself to be a deadly goalscorer as well, scoring a hat-trick against the Rams’ deadly rivals, Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest Chris Cohen in action against Derby County’s Craig Bryson
No list of greatest Derby County signings could be complete without the inclusion of one of Derby’s best ever players and the star of their top flight era in the 90s: Croatian defender Igor Stimac. Joining in 1995 from Hajduk Split, Stimac captained Derby to promotion, becoming the rock of their defence for four years, making over 84 appearances. In 2009 he was also voted into a fans’ greatest ever Derby County team, by readers of the Derby Evening Telegraph.
Derby’s Igor Stimac
The Worst
On their promotion to the Premier League in 2007, Derby County made a number of truly puzzling signings, but none turned out to be more disappointing than the signing of centre-back, Claude Davis, who joined the Rams from Sheffield United. Often seen toppling over, missing out on headers or generally making costly mistakes, Claude Davis was shipped out to Crystal Palace in 2009, and remains one of the club’s worst defenders of the last decade.
Claude Davis – Derby County in action
After scoring 27 goals in 45 appearances for Norwich City, many Derby fans expected Robert Earnshaw to be a hit with the Rams. However, the Welshman struggled to force his way into the side, and when he did, he looked unfit and uninterested. After just one goal in 22 appearances for the Rams, Earnshaw soon departed for arch rivals Nottingham Forest, where he rediscovered his scoring form.
Robert Earnshaw celebrates scoring the first goal for Nottingham Forest
Another signing during their last stint in the Premier League, Laurent Robert was expected to bring with him a bout of flair after impressing many during his time at Newcastle United. Known for his expert free-kicks, Robert was an exciting signing for Derby in January of 2008, but the Frenchman failed to have any affect on the team, as the Rams found themselves relegated by March. Departing just 6 months later for Toronto FC, Laurent Robert goes down in the long list of poor signings Derby County made during their last stay in the Premier League.
Derby County’s Hossam Ghaly and Laurent Robert (R) in dispute with referee Mark Clattenburg
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