Northern Ireland defender Chris Baird has been in fine form for Derby County this season, and his current contract expires in the summer.
Derby’s Chris Baird in action with Nottingham Forest’s Ben Osborn
When he joined Derby County in 2015 under current boss Paul Clement, Chris Baird was never much at the forefront of his former manager’s plans.
Being handed the captain’s armband, Chris Baird looked set to play a major part in Derby County’s promotion push, under a manager who was surrounded by a lot of hype, after stepping out of the shadow of the “assistant manager” role to take his first managerial post with the Rams.
Despite a great start to his time with Derby County, Paul Clement’s side went on a poor run after Christmas. Despite this being something that seems to happen almost every year at Derby County, Chairman Mel Morris saw it fit to relieve Clement of his duties, turning to academy manager Darren Wassall until the end of the season.
Chris Baird, who’s play-time had begun to become limited, also departed the Rams for Fulham on loan, seeking some football before the upcoming Euros. Behind Cyrus Christie in the pecking order, Chris Baird’s future at Derby County looked to be in doubt, and marked a crazy turnaround over just a few months.
Derby’s Chris Baird in action with Norwich’s Steven Naismith
Despite many thinking he could leave, Chris Baird stayed at the club over the summer, and after being left in the dark by Nigel Pearson, Baird waited his time for a chance to prove himself.
Under Steve McClaren however, opportunity knocked. Cyrus Christie picked up a nasty injury, and Chris Baird stepped up to do a job at right-back. Despite not having much game-time under his belt, the Northern Irishman produced a number of fine displays, utilising his strength and excellent passing. The highlight of which was a though ball for Tom Ince, which produced the Rams’ second goal against Nottingham Forest.
Derby’s Chris Baird in action with Leicester City’s Demarai Gray
Since McClaren’s return, Baird has proved himself to be the perfect utility man. Filling in at right-back, centre-back and as a defenisve midfielder, Chris Baird has provided some much needed experience and forward-thinking passing to a Rams side which was struggling at the start of the season.
Despite being cast into the dark, Baird has fought hard for a chance to prove himself in a Derby shirt, and has largely won over a Rams fanbase which weren’t bothered about his future at the club 6 months ago.
With his contract coming to an end in the summer, it would be fair to say that Chris Baird has earned himself a new deal with the Rams. However, with the Northern Irishman now 35-years-old, Derby County may well be looking to the future, focusing on youth players. Could their loss, be another club’s gain?
Jacques Maghoma of Birmingham City (L) and Chris Baird of Derby County in action
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