Derby County FC Squad 2024/25
Derby County Football Club, one of England’s most historic teams, enters the 2024/25 season with a squad brimming with talent, ambition, and a mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters. After a period of rebuilding following financial challenges, the Rams have assembled a competitive group of players capable of challenging for promotion or maintaining their status in their respective league. This post provides an in-depth look at the Derby County squad for the 2024/25 season, breaking down the team into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each player is profiled with detailed information, including their background, career trajectory, and contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
- Joe Wildsmith
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Sheffield Wednesday, Alfreton Town (loan), Chesterfield (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
- Description: Joe Wildsmith has established himself as Derby County’s first-choice goalkeeper since joining from Sheffield Wednesday. Known for his shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box, Wildsmith has been a reliable figure between the posts. His distribution and ability to play out from the back have also improved significantly, making him a key component of Derby’s tactical setup. Wildsmith’s experience in the EFL and his leadership qualities have made him a fan favorite at Pride Park.
- Josh Vickers
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Arsenal (youth), Swansea City, Lincoln City, Rotherham United
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
- Description: Josh Vickers serves as a dependable backup to Wildsmith, bringing a wealth of experience from his time in the lower leagues. His agility and reflexes make him a capable shot-stopper, while his ability to organize the defense adds value to the squad. Vickers’ versatility and professionalism have made him a valuable asset, ensuring competition for the starting spot and providing depth in the goalkeeping department.
- Jack Thompson (Youth Academy Graduate)
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Derby County Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A
- Description: A product of Derby County’s esteemed youth academy, Jack Thompson is a promising young goalkeeper who has impressed at the U21 level. Known for his quick reflexes and composure under pressure, Thompson is seen as a future star. While he is yet to make his senior debut, his development has been closely monitored, and he is expected to feature in cup competitions during the 2024/25 season.
Defenders
- Curtis Nelson
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Plymouth Argyle, Oxford United, Cardiff City
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
- Description: Curtis Nelson is a seasoned central defender who brings leadership and physicality to Derby’s backline. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has been instrumental in shoring up the defense. Nelson’s experience in the Championship and League One makes him a vital presence, especially in high-pressure situations. His aerial prowess and tackling accuracy have made him a mainstay in the starting XI.
- Eiran Cashin
- Nationality: Irish
- Former Clubs: Derby County Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A
- Description: Eiran Cashin has emerged as one of Derby’s most exciting defensive prospects. The Irish center-back is known for his tenacity, intelligence, and ability to play out from the back. Cashin’s development has been rapid, and he has already attracted interest from higher-division clubs. His partnership with Nelson has been a cornerstone of Derby’s defensive solidity, and his potential is limitless.
- Ryan Nyambe
- Nationality: Namibian
- Former Clubs: Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
- Description: Ryan Nyambe is a dynamic right-back whose pace and defensive awareness make him a key asset. The Namibian international is equally adept at contributing to attacks, often overlapping with the wingers to deliver dangerous crosses. Nyambe’s experience in the Championship and his physical attributes have made him a reliable option in defense.
- Haydon Roberts
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Brighton & Hove Albion, Rochdale (loan), Derby County (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
- Description: Haydon Roberts is a versatile defender capable of playing as a left-back or center-back. His technical ability and composure on the ball make him an ideal fit for Derby’s possession-based style of play. Roberts’ loan spell at Derby in previous seasons was highly successful, prompting the club to sign him permanently. His energy and defensive discipline have been crucial to the team’s success.
- Kane Wilson
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: West Bromwich Albion (youth), Exeter City, Forest Green Rovers, Bristol City
- Transfer Fee: Undisclosed (2024)
- Description: Kane Wilson is an attacking right-back known for his marauding runs and crossing ability. Signed in the summer of 2024, Wilson has quickly adapted to Derby’s system, providing width and creativity from the flank. His defensive work rate and ability to contribute to both phases of play make him a valuable addition to the squad.
- Jake Rooney
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Burnley (youth), Derby County Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A
- Description: Jake Rooney is a young center-back who has risen through the ranks at Derby County. His physicality and ability to win aerial duels have earned him a place in the first-team squad. Rooney’s potential is evident, and he is expected to play a more prominent role in the coming seasons.
Midfielders
- Max Bird
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Derby County Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A
- Description: Max Bird is the heartbeat of Derby’s midfield, known for his passing range, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. The academy graduate has been a consistent performer, earning plaudits for his maturity and technical ability. Bird’s leadership qualities have also seen him wear the captain’s armband on several occasions.
- Conor Hourihane
- Nationality: Irish
- Former Clubs: Aston Villa, Sheffield United, Barnsley, Plymouth Argyle
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
- Description: Conor Hourihane is an experienced midfielder whose set-piece expertise and goal-scoring ability have been invaluable to Derby. The Irish international’s ability to control the midfield and contribute with crucial goals has made him a fan favorite. Hourihane’s experience and professionalism have also been vital in mentoring younger players.
- Korey Smith
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Oldham Athletic, Bristol City, Swansea City
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
- Description: Korey Smith is a hard-working midfielder known for his energy and defensive contributions. His ability to break up play and recycle possession has been crucial in maintaining Derby’s balance in midfield. Smith’s versatility and experience make him a reliable option in various tactical setups.
- Liam Thompson
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Derby County Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A
- Description: Liam Thompson is a promising young midfielder who has impressed with his work rate and technical ability. The academy graduate has shown glimpses of his potential, and the 2024/25 season could be a breakout year for him. Thompson’s ability to drive forward with the ball and his defensive awareness make him a valuable squad player.
- Ebou Adams
- Nationality: Gambian
- Former Clubs: Norwich City (youth), Shrewsbury Town, Forest Green Rovers, Cardiff City
- Transfer Fee: Undisclosed (2024)
- Description: Ebou Adams is a tenacious midfielder whose physicality and ball-winning abilities have added steel to Derby’s midfield. The Gambian international’s energy and commitment have made him a key player in high-intensity matches. Adams’ arrival has bolstered Derby’s options in the middle of the park.
Forwards
- James Collins
- Nationality: Irish
- Former Clubs: Luton Town, Shrewsbury Town, Hibernian
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
- Description: James Collins is a prolific striker whose goal-scoring instincts have been crucial for Derby. The Irish forward’s ability to find space in the box and convert chances has made him the team’s leading scorer. Collins’ experience and leadership have also been vital in guiding the younger players.
- Martyn Waghorn
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Leicester City, Wigan Athletic, Ipswich Town, Rangers
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
- Description: Martyn Waghorn is a versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or winger. His technical ability and eye for goal have made him a valuable asset. Waghorn’s experience and ability to perform in big moments have endeared him to the fans.
- Tom Barkhuizen
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Blackpool, Preston North End, Morecambe
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
- Description: Tom Barkhuizen is a pacey winger whose direct running and goal-scoring ability have added a new dimension to Derby’s attack. His versatility and work rate make him a key player in the squad.
- Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
- Nationality: Guatemalan
- Former Clubs: Peterborough United, Rochdale, Cardiff City, Sheffield Wednesday
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
- Description: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is a dynamic winger known for his dribbling skills and ability to create chances. The Guatemalan international’s flair and creativity have made him a fan favorite at Pride Park.
- Dajaune Brown (Youth Academy Graduate)
- Nationality: English
- Former Clubs: Derby County Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A
- Description: Dajaune Brown is a highly-rated young striker who has impressed at the youth level. His pace, finishing ability, and potential have earned him a place in the first-team squad. Brown is seen as a future star for Derby County.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Derby County squad is a blend of experience, youth, and talent, with each player bringing unique qualities to the team. Under the guidance of the coaching staff, this group has the potential to achieve great things and bring pride to the fans. As the season unfolds, the Rams will look to build on their progress and continue their journey toward success.