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At the end of June, John Eustace made a decision that many supporters were happy with at Derby County.
It’s been 13 years since Nigel Clough permanently signed Craig Forsyth for the Rams, and he continues to impress on a weekly basis at Pride Park.
Now 36, the former Scotland international is entering yet another season in black-and-white after Eustace offered the left-back a two-year deal.
Forsyth will take up some coaching responsibilities after putting pen to paper on the contract at Derby and he has spoken out on how close he came to retirement at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
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Craig Forsyth speaks out for the first time since signing new Derby County contract
The ex-Watford man is part of the furniture in DE24 now, and after watching former teammates such as Chris Martin, Richard Keogh and the cult hero Craig Bryson all depart Derby in the last five to six years, he has managed to stick by the club.
However, at his age, questions about his retirement started to arise but Forsyth was quick to quash any rumours. He said: “The way last season ended, playing a lot and the body’s still feeling good and as though I could continue.
“As I’ve always said, I want to keep playing as long as I can. That was always my first thing.”
On how negotiations went with Eustace, Forsyth continued: “It was pretty straightforward. We sort of had a conversation where he said ‘yeah, we want to keep you and we’ll get something sorted.’
“That was it, we were both pretty relaxed with the situation and everything and knowing how much I wanted to stay, it was pretty straightforward.
“It was a pretty relaxed conversation and obviously I’m delighted he wanted to keep me.”
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Craig Forsyth is a true fans’ favourite
There is no denying that Forsyth brings stability and leadership to Derby, and every team he has played in while at the club has benefited from his presence.
It seems likely that this will be the defender’s final contract, but what it does show is that Eustace values him immensely. He will be crucial in helping to welcome new players, such as Patrick Agyemang ahead of his £5.8m move.
Having a player who knows Pride Park and the rest of Derby as well as Forsyth is a real strength, and supporters will be extremely happy to see him lining up with the number three on his back once again as the Rams prepare for their first Championship fixture of 2025/26.