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It’s an exciting time to be a Derby County supporter, and the dark days of the start of the decade are well and truly behind them as they prepare for their second successive Championship campaign.
It’s just under four years since the Rams were placed into administration, but now the club are thriving with John Eustace at the helm, as he sparked a turnaround following his arrival in February, after a dismal winter saw them threatened by relegation.
Nevertheless, Derby secured their survival on the final day of the season with a 0-0 draw against Stoke City and now they are preparing for a busy summer transfer window with a new striker a priority after it was revealed by EFL Analysis that Jerry Yates is unlikely to return to Pride Park.
However, one issue that had to be sorted by Eustace was the contract situation of Craig Forsyth, and it looks as though his future has been secured, although there will be questions about one part of this deal.
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Craig Forsyth signing a new contract is excellent for Derby County
Nigel Clough was hopeful when he signed Forsyth in 2013, and the decision to bring the then Watford left-midfielder on loan was an excellent move, as he converted him into a left-back.
He’s spent the last 12 years as a Ram, seeing all the highs and lows including play-off final defeats, administration, relegation and promotion. But with his contract set to expire this summer, Eustace was keen to keep his former teammate around.
Now, it has been reported by Football Insider that the 36-year-old has signed a new two-year deal to stay at Pride Park.
Supporters will be extremely pleased to see the cult hero stick around, but two years is a long time at Forsyth’s age. However, Eustace may have a plan for the Scottish defender that extends past that new contract.
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Craig Forsyth could transition into coaching under John Eustace
Injuries have been the one downfall in the defender’s time in the East Midlands, but in recent years he has kept on top of his fitness and he is just getting better with age.
Forsyth is adaptable, and has started to feature more and more at centre-back over the course of the last year, while he can also play at wing-back.
This experience will be crucial for any young player coming through at Derby and it would not be a surprise to see the 36-year-old start to move into the coaching side of the game over the course of the next two years.
The new deal offers him the chance to play when necessary, but it also keeps him at the place where he calls home and fans will be delighted to see him out on the pitch again next season.