Nigel Clough became Derby County manager in 2009.
Derby County appointed Nigel Clough as their manager in January 2009, following years of speculation.
The Rams were struggling in the Championship at the time having suffered a humiliating relegation from the Premier League the season before – recording a record low 11 points.
Previous managers Billy Davies and Paul Jewell left a bloated squad of average players on high wages, and Clough was tasked with trimming the squad while maintaining their Championship status.
The football was not pretty, but Clough did an excellent job in rebuilding the club and his nous in the transfer market with such a limited budget arguably saved Derby from suffering another relegation to League One.
The following list shows Clough’s first five signings in charge of the Rams, and where those players are now:
Chris Porter: Signed from Motherwell
The now 34-year-old joined Derby from Scottish side Motherwell, but injuries hampered his stay at Pride Park and he managed to score just nine goals in 44 games over two and a half years at the club.
Porter linked up again with Clough at Sheffield United, but he soon dropped down the leagues and now finds himself at League Two side Crewe Alexandra, having scored five goals in 16 games this term.
Luke Varney: Signed from Charlton Athletic
Luke Varney was signed on the same day as Porter, and he was another forward addition as Clough looked to add more goals to help starve off relegation that season.
The 35-year-old barely featured, however, and after spells at Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Portsmouth, surprisingly Varney still finds himself in the Championship now with Clough’s Burton Albion.
Lee Croft: Signed from Norwich City
Winger Lee Croft became Clough’s first signing in the summer of 2009, although again he struggled with injuries as he managed just 28 Championship appearances in three seasons at the club.
The 32-year-old had a brief spell in Scotland with St Johnstone, before returning to England where he now plies his trade at National League North side Southport. Some fall from grace for the former Manchester City man.
Dean Moxey: Signed from Exeter City
Dean Moxey was one of the most highly-rated players in the lower leagues upon his arrival at Derby, and he stayed at the club for two seasons before being sold on to Crystal Palace for a profit.
The 32-year-old played 20 games in the Premier League for the Eagles, but a decline in performance levels has seen him slip down the leagues and re-join boyhood club Exeter in League Two.
Jake Buxton: Signed from Burton Albion
Jake Buxton was another lower league buy following spells at Mansfield Town and Burton, and despite drawing plenty of surprise over his move to Derby, the defender became a cult hero with the Rams.
The 33-year-old performed admirably in a Derby shirt and played a key role for the club as they reached the 2013/14 playoff final. He was without doubt one of Clough’s best signings for Derby.
Buxton made over 130 league appearances for the Rams in six seasons, and now he finds himself back under the guidance of Clough at Burton as they bid to steer clear of the Championship relegation zone.
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