Did Boro make a mistake letting veteran forward go to Derby?

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Fan favourite David Nugent joined Derby County during the January transfer window.

It was another interesting transfer window for fans of Middlesbrough football club, as the club welcomed a number of signings over the course of January. Karanka brought in former striker Patrick Bamford, as well as Rudy Gestede and Adlene Guedioura.

Adding some extra firepower to their team, as well as some more muscle in midfield, Middlesbrough are doing their best to keep themselves in the Premier League, following their first season back.

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Middlesbrough’s Rudy Gestede in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Gareth McAuley

However, Middlesbrough were also busy over January at moving players out of the club, shifting off Jordan Rhodes to Sheffield Wednesday, as well as Emilio Nsue to Birmingham City and David Nugent to Derby County. However, could the latter of these three have been a mistake?

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Middlesbrough’s David Nugent shouts

The veteran striker, who scored 8 goals in 42 appearances during his time at the Riverside, might not on the surface have the best of goal-scoring records. However, Nugent was a big fan favourite amongst Boro supporters, and scored some very important goals for Karanka’s side, which would eventually see the side promoted.

Nugent’s work ethic was also massively appealing to Boro fans. When on the pitch, Nugent was a tireless worker, and never looked his age (31). In arguably the fastest and most competitive league in the world, could David Nugent have not been just the kind of player teams want to have on their side in the dying embers of games?

Middlesbrough’s David Nugent in action

Nugent was a character for Middlesbrough. Someone you’d want by your side if you were going into battle; and this is just what Middlesbrough are going to be doing over the coming months, as they look to cement their place as a Premier League side.

Perhaps Middlesbrough’s loss, will end up being Derby County’s gain?

With two promotions in his last three full seasons, if he added a third this year he would very much be in lucky charm territory – and Rams fans will be the ones delighted to have him.