Ross Atkins
Position: Goalkeeper
Shirt number: 31
Nationality: English
Date of birth: November 3, 1989
Previous clubs: Southport (loan, twice), Burton Albion (loan), Kidderminster Harriers (loan).
Derby-born Ross Atkins has come through the ranks at Pride Park and made his first appearance for the reserves as a schoolboy back in 2005. A former England Under-18 squad member, Atkins gained valuable experience in two loan spells with Blue Square North side Southport in the 2008-9 season. He was named in the Rams' senior matchday squad for the first time in a 2-1 home win over Coventry City in November 2009, when he was an unused substitute, and also had a spell on loan at Kidderminster Harriers during that season.
Shirt number: 31
Nationality: English
Date of birth: November 3, 1989
Previous clubs: Southport (loan, twice), Burton Albion (loan), Kidderminster Harriers (loan).
Derby-born Ross Atkins has come through the ranks at Pride Park and made his first appearance for the reserves as a schoolboy back in 2005. A former England Under-18 squad member, Atkins gained valuable experience in two loan spells with Blue Square North side Southport in the 2008-9 season. He was named in the Rams' senior matchday squad for the first time in a 2-1 home win over Coventry City in November 2009, when he was an unused substitute, and also had a spell on loan at Kidderminster Harriers during that season.
Stephen Bywater (On loan at Cardiff City)
Position: Goalkeeper
Shirt number: 1
Nationality: English
Date of birth: June 7, 1981
Previous clubs: West Ham United, Wycombe Wanderers (loan), Hull City (loan), Coventry City (loan), Ipswich Town (loan).
Stephen Bywater arrived at Pride Park on loan from West Ham United in August 2006. The move was made permanent later that month, with the Rams paying a fee of £375,000. The keeper went on to become a key figure in the side that won promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs in May 2007. After a spell on loan at Ipswich Town in 2008-9, he won the battle for the number one jersey with Roy Carroll and was a virtual ever-present during the 2009-10 campaign.
Shirt number: 1
Nationality: English
Date of birth: June 7, 1981
Previous clubs: West Ham United, Wycombe Wanderers (loan), Hull City (loan), Coventry City (loan), Ipswich Town (loan).
Stephen Bywater arrived at Pride Park on loan from West Ham United in August 2006. The move was made permanent later that month, with the Rams paying a fee of £375,000. The keeper went on to become a key figure in the side that won promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs in May 2007. After a spell on loan at Ipswich Town in 2008-9, he won the battle for the number one jersey with Roy Carroll and was a virtual ever-present during the 2009-10 campaign.
Saul Deeney
Position: Goalkeeper
Shirt number: 13
Nationality: Irish
Date of birth: March 23, 1983
Previous clubs: Notts County (twice), Hull City (loan), Ilkeston Town (loan), Gresley Rovers (loan), Burton Albion (twice).
Saul Deeney was reunited with manager Nigel Clough when he joined Derby in the summer of 2009. The former Irish Under-21 international had been part of Burton Albion's title-winning squad when they clinched promotion to the Football League. Deeney, who has experience of League football from his time with Notts County, made his first-team debut for Derby when he replaced the injured Stephen Bywater at Reading but was unfortunate to be sent off for a professional foul soon afterwards. He started the final two games of the 2009-10 season and kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Cardiff City at Pride Park Stadium on the last day.
Shirt number: 13
Nationality: Irish
Date of birth: March 23, 1983
Previous clubs: Notts County (twice), Hull City (loan), Ilkeston Town (loan), Gresley Rovers (loan), Burton Albion (twice).
Saul Deeney was reunited with manager Nigel Clough when he joined Derby in the summer of 2009. The former Irish Under-21 international had been part of Burton Albion's title-winning squad when they clinched promotion to the Football League. Deeney, who has experience of League football from his time with Notts County, made his first-team debut for Derby when he replaced the injured Stephen Bywater at Reading but was unfortunate to be sent off for a professional foul soon afterwards. He started the final two games of the 2009-10 season and kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Cardiff City at Pride Park Stadium on the last day.
Frank Fielding (on loan from Blackburn Rovers)
Position: Goalkeeper
Shirt number: 34
Nationality: English
Date of birth: April 4, 1988
Previous clubs: Blackburn Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers (loan), Northampton Town (loan), Rochdale (loan, twice), Leeds United (loan).
Derby County brought in Frank Fielding from Blackburn Rovers as loan cover for the injured Stephen Bywater in October 2010. The England Under-21 international has been understudy to Paul Robinson at Ewood Park but has gained valuable experience during loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers, Northampton Town, Rochdale and Leeds United. Fielding was called up to the full England squad for a friendly against Hungary in August 2010 and was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win at Wembley.
Shirt number: 34
Nationality: English
Date of birth: April 4, 1988
Previous clubs: Blackburn Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers (loan), Northampton Town (loan), Rochdale (loan, twice), Leeds United (loan).
Derby County brought in Frank Fielding from Blackburn Rovers as loan cover for the injured Stephen Bywater in October 2010. The England Under-21 international has been understudy to Paul Robinson at Ewood Park but has gained valuable experience during loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers, Northampton Town, Rochdale and Leeds United. Fielding was called up to the full England squad for a friendly against Hungary in August 2010 and was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win at Wembley.
James Severn (on loan at Tamworth)
Position: Goalkeeper
Shirt number: 32
Nationality: English
Date of birth: October 10, 1991
Previous clubs: None.
James Severn signed a one-year professional contract with Derby County in the summer of 2010 after graduating from the club’s youth academy. The young goalkeeper has already been capped at England Under-19 level and featured in his first senior matchday squad, when he was an unused substitute in the Rams’ 2-1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers in March 2010. Severn received an apology from the Football Association after he was wrongly named in the England Under-19 squad for the 2010 European Championships in France, when he was, in fact, on standby.
Shirt number: 32
Nationality: English
Date of birth: October 10, 1991
Previous clubs: None.
James Severn signed a one-year professional contract with Derby County in the summer of 2010 after graduating from the club’s youth academy. The young goalkeeper has already been capped at England Under-19 level and featured in his first senior matchday squad, when he was an unused substitute in the Rams’ 2-1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers in March 2010. Severn received an apology from the Football Association after he was wrongly named in the England Under-19 squad for the 2010 European Championships in France, when he was, in fact, on standby.
Miles Addison
Position: Defender
Shirt number: 20
Nationality: English
Date of birth: July 1, 1989
Previous clubs: None
Miles Addison was handed two senior appearances as a 17-year-old centre-half back in 2006. He was awarded a two-year professional contract after graduating from the club’s Academy at the end of the 2006-7 campaign but had to wait until May 2008 for his next first-team outing, at Blackburn Rovers. In 2008-9, Addison became a regular fixture in the side, utilised in midfield or defence, and won the Sammy Crooks young player of the year award. He was capped at England Under-21 level at the start of the 2009-10 campaign but a persistent foot problem, which required surgery in the USA, is likely to rule him out of the 2010-11 season.
Shirt number: 20
Nationality: English
Date of birth: July 1, 1989
Previous clubs: None
Miles Addison was handed two senior appearances as a 17-year-old centre-half back in 2006. He was awarded a two-year professional contract after graduating from the club’s Academy at the end of the 2006-7 campaign but had to wait until May 2008 for his next first-team outing, at Blackburn Rovers. In 2008-9, Addison became a regular fixture in the side, utilised in midfield or defence, and won the Sammy Crooks young player of the year award. He was capped at England Under-21 level at the start of the 2009-10 campaign but a persistent foot problem, which required surgery in the USA, is likely to rule him out of the 2010-11 season.
Russell Anderson
Position: Defender
Shirt number: 14
Nationality: Scottish
Date of birth: October 25, 1978
Previous clubs: Aberdeen, Sunderland, Plymouth (loan), Burnley (loan).
Russell Anderson signed for Derby County in January 2010 on a deal until the end of the season after his contract with Premier League club Sunderland was cancelled by mutual agreement. The Scotland international made more than 300 appearances during a long career at Aberdeen and captained the side before joining Sunderland for £1m in the summer of 2007. However, aside from loan spells with Plymouth Argyle and Burnley, serious injury restricted him to only two appearances for the Black Cats. Anderson settled straight into the Derby side at centre-half and his solid performances were rewarded with a two-year contract at the end of the 2009-10 season.
Shirt number: 14
Nationality: Scottish
Date of birth: October 25, 1978
Previous clubs: Aberdeen, Sunderland, Plymouth (loan), Burnley (loan).
Russell Anderson signed for Derby County in January 2010 on a deal until the end of the season after his contract with Premier League club Sunderland was cancelled by mutual agreement. The Scotland international made more than 300 appearances during a long career at Aberdeen and captained the side before joining Sunderland for £1m in the summer of 2007. However, aside from loan spells with Plymouth Argyle and Burnley, serious injury restricted him to only two appearances for the Black Cats. Anderson settled straight into the Derby side at centre-half and his solid performances were rewarded with a two-year contract at the end of the 2009-10 season.
John Brayford
Position: Defender
Shirt number: 2
Nationality: English
Date of birth: December 29, 1987
Previous clubs: Burton Albion, Crewe Alexandra.
John Brayford was reunited with manager Nigel Clough when he signed for Derby County from Crewe Alexandra for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2010. Brayford had played under Clough at Burton Albion before he was snapped up by Crewe, where he soon became a key member of the side. The Rams tried to recruit the right-back in the summer of 2009 but eventually got their man 12 months later.
Shirt number: 2
Nationality: English
Date of birth: December 29, 1987
Previous clubs: Burton Albion, Crewe Alexandra.
John Brayford was reunited with manager Nigel Clough when he signed for Derby County from Crewe Alexandra for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2010. Brayford had played under Clough at Burton Albion before he was snapped up by Crewe, where he soon became a key member of the side. The Rams tried to recruit the right-back in the summer of 2009 but eventually got their man 12 months later.
Shaun Barker
Position: Defender
Shirt number: 5
Nationality: English
Date of birth: September 19, 1982
Previous clubs: Rotherham United, Blackpool.
Derby County beat off competition from rivals Nottingham Forest to secure the services of Shaun Barker from Blackpool for £900,000 in the summer of 2009. Barker, born in Trowell, just over the Derbyshire border, made his name at Rotherham United, where his form earned him a move to Blackpool, on a free transfer in August 2006. The defender, who can play at centre-half or right-back, was a consistent performer for the Seasiders and, after a slow start at Derby due to injury, he showed his class and picked up the Jack Stamps player of the year award, voted for by the fans, in his first season at Pride Park.
Shirt number: 5
Nationality: English
Date of birth: September 19, 1982
Previous clubs: Rotherham United, Blackpool.
Derby County beat off competition from rivals Nottingham Forest to secure the services of Shaun Barker from Blackpool for £900,000 in the summer of 2009. Barker, born in Trowell, just over the Derbyshire border, made his name at Rotherham United, where his form earned him a move to Blackpool, on a free transfer in August 2006. The defender, who can play at centre-half or right-back, was a consistent performer for the Seasiders and, after a slow start at Derby due to injury, he showed his class and picked up the Jack Stamps player of the year award, voted for by the fans, in his first season at Pride Park.
Jake Buxton
Position: Defender
Shirt number: 17
Nationality: English
Date of birth: March 4, 1985
Previous clubs: Mansfield Town, Alfreton Town (loan), Burton Albion.
Nigel Clough returned to former club Burton Albion to snap up the Brewers’ player of the year Jake Buxton on a one-year deal in the summer of 2009. Buxton helped Burton win promotion to the Football League, 12 months after joining the club from Mansfield Town. The centre-back came through the ranks at Field Mill and went on to make 174 appearances for them. He was also named club captain in 2006-7. Injuries to key defenders saw Buxton thrown into the first-team fray and he did enough to earn a contract extension, although he missed the latter part of the 2009-10 campaign with a hernia problem.
Shirt number: 17
Nationality: English
Date of birth: March 4, 1985
Previous clubs: Mansfield Town, Alfreton Town (loan), Burton Albion.
Nigel Clough returned to former club Burton Albion to snap up the Brewers’ player of the year Jake Buxton on a one-year deal in the summer of 2009. Buxton helped Burton win promotion to the Football League, 12 months after joining the club from Mansfield Town. The centre-back came through the ranks at Field Mill and went on to make 174 appearances for them. He was also named club captain in 2006-7. Injuries to key defenders saw Buxton thrown into the first-team fray and he did enough to earn a contract extension, although he missed the latter part of the 2009-10 campaign with a hernia problem.
Mitch Hanson
Position: Defender
Shirt number: 39
Nationality: English
Date of birth: September 2, 1988
Previous clubs: Port Vale (loan), Notts County (loan).
Local lad Mitch Hanson graduated from Derby County’s youth system, signing his first professional contract in the summer of 2007. While a first-year academy scholar in April 2006, he was an unused substitute for the Rams’ first team away to Reading but had to wait until November 2008 for his debut, as a substitute in a Carling Cup tie at Brighton. After loan spells with Port Vale and Notts County, the former England Under-18 international was awarded a new contract, taking him up until summer 2011.
Shirt number: 39
Nationality: English
Date of birth: September 2, 1988
Previous clubs: Port Vale (loan), Notts County (loan).
Local lad Mitch Hanson graduated from Derby County’s youth system, signing his first professional contract in the summer of 2007. While a first-year academy scholar in April 2006, he was an unused substitute for the Rams’ first team away to Reading but had to wait until November 2008 for his debut, as a substitute in a Carling Cup tie at Brighton. After loan spells with Port Vale and Notts County, the former England Under-18 international was awarded a new contract, taking him up until summer 2011.
Dean Leacock
Position: Defender
Shirt number: 6
Nationality: English
Date of birth: June 10, 1984
Previous clubs: Fulham, Coventry City (loan).
Dean Leacock joined Derby County from Fulham in a £375,000 move from Premier League Fulham in August 2006. The former England Under-20 international was a regular in the Rams side that won promotion to the Premier League under manager Billy Davies in the 2006-7 campaign. Leacock's progress has been severely hampered by injuries over the past couple of years but he remains a key member of Nigel Clough's squad.
Shirt number: 6
Nationality: English
Date of birth: June 10, 1984
Previous clubs: Fulham, Coventry City (loan).
Dean Leacock joined Derby County from Fulham in a £375,000 move from Premier League Fulham in August 2006. The former England Under-20 international was a regular in the Rams side that won promotion to the Premier League under manager Billy Davies in the 2006-7 campaign. Leacock's progress has been severely hampered by injuries over the past couple of years but he remains a key member of Nigel Clough's squad.
Mark O’Brien
Position: Defender
Shirt number: 25
Nationality: Irish
Date of birth: November 20, 1992
Previous clubs: None
Mark O’Brien made a surprise first-team debut on the final day of the 2008-9 season – before he even became a full-time Academy scholar. The Dublin-born centre-back came on as a second-half substitute in the 3-1 defeat at Watford, only days after being named the club’s Academy player of the year. The highly-rated youngster, who joined Derby from Irish club Cherry Orchard FC, has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-17 level and was named the nation's Under-16 international player of the year. O'Brien's progress was rocked during 2009-10 by the news that he needed heart surgery to repair a faulty valve but he is now well on the road to recovery and hopes to be part of Nigel Clough's first-team plans in 2010-11.
Shirt number: 25
Nationality: Irish
Date of birth: November 20, 1992
Previous clubs: None
Mark O’Brien made a surprise first-team debut on the final day of the 2008-9 season – before he even became a full-time Academy scholar. The Dublin-born centre-back came on as a second-half substitute in the 3-1 defeat at Watford, only days after being named the club’s Academy player of the year. The highly-rated youngster, who joined Derby from Irish club Cherry Orchard FC, has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-17 level and was named the nation's Under-16 international player of the year. O'Brien's progress was rocked during 2009-10 by the news that he needed heart surgery to repair a faulty valve but he is now well on the road to recovery and hopes to be part of Nigel Clough's first-team plans in 2010-11.
Gareth Roberts
Position: Defender
Shirt number: 3
Nationality: Welsh
Date of birth: February 6, 1978
Previous clubs: Liverpool, Panionios (loan), Tranmere Rovers, Doncaster Rovers.
Gareth Roberts joined Derby County on a Bosman free transfer from Doncaster Rovers in the summer of 2010. The left-back began his career as a trainee with Liverpool and had a brief loan spell with Greek side Panionios before moving on to Tranmere Rovers in 1999. He spent seven seasons with Tranmere and made more than 300 appearances for the club. In four seasons with Doncaster, he added more than 150 games to that tally, earning a reputation as a consitent and dependable performer at Championship level.
Shirt number: 3
Nationality: Welsh
Date of birth: February 6, 1978
Previous clubs: Liverpool, Panionios (loan), Tranmere Rovers, Doncaster Rovers.
Gareth Roberts joined Derby County on a Bosman free transfer from Doncaster Rovers in the summer of 2010. The left-back began his career as a trainee with Liverpool and had a brief loan spell with Greek side Panionios before moving on to Tranmere Rovers in 1999. He spent seven seasons with Tranmere and made more than 300 appearances for the club. In four seasons with Doncaster, he added more than 150 games to that tally, earning a reputation as a consitent and dependable performer at Championship level.
Medi Abalimba
Position: Midfielder
Shirt number: 38
Nationality: English/Congolese
Date of birth: October 14, 1992
Previous clubs: Southend United.
Medi Abalimba joined Derby County in the summer of 2009 as a promising 17-year-old from Southend United. The two clubs agreed a compensation package for the teenage midfielder, who had also had trials with Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City. Abalimba joined up with the Rams Academy and has also featured for the reserves.
Shirt number: 38
Nationality: English/Congolese
Date of birth: October 14, 1992
Previous clubs: Southend United.
Medi Abalimba joined Derby County in the summer of 2009 as a promising 17-year-old from Southend United. The two clubs agreed a compensation package for the teenage midfielder, who had also had trials with Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City. Abalimba joined up with the Rams Academy and has also featured for the reserves.
James Bailey
Position: Midfielder
Shirt number: 16
Nationality: English
Date of birth: September 18, 1988
Previous clubs: Crewe Alexandra.
James Bailey arrived at Derby County from Crewe Alexandra in the summer of 2010 as part of the deal that brought John Brayford to Pride Park. The young midfielder had impressed Rams boss Nigel Clough with his range of passing and was hailed as a potential long-term replacement for veteran skipper Robbie Savage. Cheshire-born Bailey came through the ranks at Crewe’s renowned youth system and made 55 first-team appearances for the club.
Shirt number: 16
Nationality: English
Date of birth: September 18, 1988
Previous clubs: Crewe Alexandra.
James Bailey arrived at Derby County from Crewe Alexandra in the summer of 2010 as part of the deal that brought John Brayford to Pride Park. The young midfielder had impressed Rams boss Nigel Clough with his range of passing and was hailed as a potential long-term replacement for veteran skipper Robbie Savage. Cheshire-born Bailey came through the ranks at Crewe’s renowned youth system and made 55 first-team appearances for the club.
Ryan Connolly
Position: Midfielder/forward
Shirt number: 37
Nationality: Irish
Date of birth: January 13, 1992
Previous clubs: None.
Ryan Connolly graduated from the Academy ranks and signed a one-year professional contract with Derby County in the summer of 2010. Primarily a left winger, who can also play at left-back, Connolly was a regular fixture in Derby’s reserve team in 2009-10 and made his first-team debut when he came on as a late substitute on the final day of the season in the 2-0 win over Cardiff City. A Republic of Ireland youth international, Connolly netted twice in the 6-1 FA Youth Cup win over Peterborough in December 2009.
Shirt number: 37
Nationality: Irish
Date of birth: January 13, 1992
Previous clubs: None.
Ryan Connolly graduated from the Academy ranks and signed a one-year professional contract with Derby County in the summer of 2010. Primarily a left winger, who can also play at left-back, Connolly was a regular fixture in Derby’s reserve team in 2009-10 and made his first-team debut when he came on as a late substitute on the final day of the season in the 2-0 win over Cardiff City. A Republic of Ireland youth international, Connolly netted twice in the 6-1 FA Youth Cup win over Peterborough in December 2009.
Lee Croft (on loan to Huddersfield Town)
Position: Winger
Nationality: English
Date of birth: June 21, 1985
Previous clubs: Manchester City, Oldham Athletic (loan), Norwich City.
Lee Croft joined Derby on a Bosman free transfer in the summer of 2009 after seeing out his contract with Norwich City. Croft was named Norwich’s player of the year in 2008-9 but could not save the club from relegation from the Championship. The Wigan-born winger began his career with Manchester City, earning England Under-20 honours before joining the Canaries for £700,000 in 2006. Croft struggled to hold down a regular place in his first season with Derby and was loaned out to League One side Huddersfield Town in July 2010.
Nationality: English
Date of birth: June 21, 1985
Previous clubs: Manchester City, Oldham Athletic (loan), Norwich City.
Lee Croft joined Derby on a Bosman free transfer in the summer of 2009 after seeing out his contract with Norwich City. Croft was named Norwich’s player of the year in 2008-9 but could not save the club from relegation from the Championship. The Wigan-born winger began his career with Manchester City, earning England Under-20 honours before joining the Canaries for £700,000 in 2006. Croft struggled to hold down a regular place in his first season with Derby and was loaned out to League One side Huddersfield Town in July 2010.
Paul Green
Position: Midfielder
Shirt number: 4
Nationality: Irish
Date of birth: April 10, 1983
Previous clubs: Doncaster Rovers.
Paul Green helped Doncaster Rovers climb back into the Football League and all the way up to the Championship, courtesy of a play-off final win over Leeds United in May 2008. But after 277 appearances and 33 goals, the influential midfielder joined Derby on a three-year contract. He soon established himself as a first-team regular in the Derby team and was a virtual ever-present before breaking two fingers in the Carling Cup quarter-final victory at Stoke. Despite injury troubles, Green has remained a key player for the Rams and his late-season form in 2009-10 earned him a call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad. He scored on his full debut against Algeria in Dublin at the end of May 2010.
Shirt number: 4
Nationality: Irish
Date of birth: April 10, 1983
Previous clubs: Doncaster Rovers.
Paul Green helped Doncaster Rovers climb back into the Football League and all the way up to the Championship, courtesy of a play-off final win over Leeds United in May 2008. But after 277 appearances and 33 goals, the influential midfielder joined Derby on a three-year contract. He soon established himself as a first-team regular in the Derby team and was a virtual ever-present before breaking two fingers in the Carling Cup quarter-final victory at Stoke. Despite injury troubles, Green has remained a key player for the Rams and his late-season form in 2009-10 earned him a call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad. He scored on his full debut against Algeria in Dublin at the end of May 2010.
Jeff Hendrick
Position: Midfielder
Shirt number: 35
Nationality: Irish
Date of birth: January 31, 1992
Previous clubs: None.
Jeff Hendrick graduated from the Academy ranks and signed a one-year professional contract with Derby County in the summer of 2010. The midfielder was nominated for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-17 international player of the year award for 2010. Hendrick featured for the Rams reserves during 2009-10 and was an unused substitute for the first team against Cardiff City on the final day of the same season.
Shirt number: 35
Nationality: Irish
Date of birth: January 31, 1992
Previous clubs: None.
Jeff Hendrick graduated from the Academy ranks and signed a one-year professional contract with Derby County in the summer of 2010. The midfielder was nominated for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-17 international player of the year award for 2010. Hendrick featured for the Rams reserves during 2009-10 and was an unused substitute for the first team against Cardiff City on the final day of the same season.
David Martin
Position: Midfielder/forward
Shirt number: 15
Nationality: English
Date of birth: June 3, 1985
Previous clubs: Dartford, Crystal Palace, Millwall.
David Martin joined Derby County on an emergency loan in February 2010 until the end of the season. He impressed for Millwall against the Rams in two FA Cup third round ties in January 2010 and Derby boss Nigel Clough is keen to sign him permanently when his contract expires in the summer. Martin, who can play as a winger or a striker, joined Millwall from Crystal Palace, who plucked him from non-League Dartford. His move to Derby was made permanent at the end of the 2009-10 season, with the player signing a two-year deal.
Shirt number: 15
Nationality: English
Date of birth: June 3, 1985
Previous clubs: Dartford, Crystal Palace, Millwall.
David Martin joined Derby County on an emergency loan in February 2010 until the end of the season. He impressed for Millwall against the Rams in two FA Cup third round ties in January 2010 and Derby boss Nigel Clough is keen to sign him permanently when his contract expires in the summer. Martin, who can play as a winger or a striker, joined Millwall from Crystal Palace, who plucked him from non-League Dartford. His move to Derby was made permanent at the end of the 2009-10 season, with the player signing a two-year deal.
Arnaud Mendy (on loan at Tranmere Rovers)
Position: Midfielder
Shirt number: 33
Nationality: French
Date of birth: February 10, 1990
Previous clubs: FC Rouen, Grimsby Town (loan).
The Paris-born midfielder joined Derby County's youth Academy from French club FC Rouen. He was a regular in the Rams' Under-18 side and the reserve team that reached the totesportcasino.com League Cup final in 2008-9. Mendy announced himself on the scene in a pre-season friendly against Stoke City at Pride Park Stadium in August 2009, coming off the bench to scored an acrobatic equaliser. He made his first-team debut as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday in October 2009 and helped the reserve team to the totesport.com League Central Division title, while also having a brief loan spell with Grimsby Town.
Shirt number: 33
Nationality: French
Date of birth: February 10, 1990
Previous clubs: FC Rouen, Grimsby Town (loan).
The Paris-born midfielder joined Derby County's youth Academy from French club FC Rouen. He was a regular in the Rams' Under-18 side and the reserve team that reached the totesportcasino.com League Cup final in 2008-9. Mendy announced himself on the scene in a pre-season friendly against Stoke City at Pride Park Stadium in August 2009, coming off the bench to scored an acrobatic equaliser. He made his first-team debut as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday in October 2009 and helped the reserve team to the totesport.com League Central Division title, while also having a brief loan spell with Grimsby Town.
Greg Mills (on loan at AFC Telford United)
Position: Midfielder/striker
Shirt number: 34
Nationality: English
Date of birth: September 18, 1990
Previous clubs: Solihull Moors (loan, twice).
Greg Mills was recalled from a loan spell with Blue Square North side Solihull Moors to provide cover for Derby County’s injury crisis in September 2009. After having scored four goals in four games for Solihull, the pacy youngster was named as a substitute for the Championship trip to Middlesbrough and came on to make his senior Rams debut. Mills, who signed professional terms with Derby in the summer of 2009, returned to Solihull in November 2009 before returning to Pride Park at the end of the year.
Shirt number: 34
Nationality: English
Date of birth: September 18, 1990
Previous clubs: Solihull Moors (loan, twice).
Greg Mills was recalled from a loan spell with Blue Square North side Solihull Moors to provide cover for Derby County’s injury crisis in September 2009. After having scored four goals in four games for Solihull, the pacy youngster was named as a substitute for the Championship trip to Middlesbrough and came on to make his senior Rams debut. Mills, who signed professional terms with Derby in the summer of 2009, returned to Solihull in November 2009 before returning to Pride Park at the end of the year.
Stephen Pearson
Position: Midfielder
Shirt number: 11
Nationality: Scottish
Date of birth: October 2, 1982
Previous clubs: Motherwell, Celtic, Stoke City (loan).
Stephen Pearson joined Derby County from Celtic during the January 2007 transfer window. The Scottish international went on to play an important role in the Rams’ promotion campaign that season and famously netted the winner in the play-off final against West Bromwich Albion to clinch a place in the Premier League. It was his first goal for the club but he had to wait until September 2008 for his next one, in a 1-1 draw at Swansea City. Pearson looked to have put his injury problems behind him in 2009-10 but underwent surgery on his knee at the end of the campaign, which ruled him out of the start of the 2010-11 season.
Shirt number: 11
Nationality: Scottish
Date of birth: October 2, 1982
Previous clubs: Motherwell, Celtic, Stoke City (loan).
Stephen Pearson joined Derby County from Celtic during the January 2007 transfer window. The Scottish international went on to play an important role in the Rams’ promotion campaign that season and famously netted the winner in the play-off final against West Bromwich Albion to clinch a place in the Premier League. It was his first goal for the club but he had to wait until September 2008 for his next one, in a 1-1 draw at Swansea City. Pearson looked to have put his injury problems behind him in 2009-10 but underwent surgery on his knee at the end of the campaign, which ruled him out of the start of the 2010-11 season.
Ben Pringle
Position: Midfielder
Shirt number: 18
Nationality: English
Date of birth: July 25, 1988
Previous clubs: West Bromwich Albion, Morpeth Town, Gretna, Newcastle Blue Star, Ilkeston Town.
Ben Pringle was plucked from non-league llkeston Town by Nigel Clough in the summer of 2009. The young midfielder, who hails from the north-east, had impressed in his first season with the Robins, helping them gain promotion from the UniBond Premier Division. Pringle began his career as a trainee with West Bromwich Albion, before moving on to now-defunct Scottish side Gretna. After a stint with Newcastle Blue Star, he joined Ilkeston, which led to his move back into full-time football. After earning a contract extension, he captained Derby's reserve team to the totesport.com League Central Division title in 2009-10 and also made six first-team appearances, including his first Championship start on the final day of the season.
Shirt number: 18
Nationality: English
Date of birth: July 25, 1988
Previous clubs: West Bromwich Albion, Morpeth Town, Gretna, Newcastle Blue Star, Ilkeston Town.
Ben Pringle was plucked from non-league llkeston Town by Nigel Clough in the summer of 2009. The young midfielder, who hails from the north-east, had impressed in his first season with the Robins, helping them gain promotion from the UniBond Premier Division. Pringle began his career as a trainee with West Bromwich Albion, before moving on to now-defunct Scottish side Gretna. After a stint with Newcastle Blue Star, he joined Ilkeston, which led to his move back into full-time football. After earning a contract extension, he captained Derby's reserve team to the totesport.com League Central Division title in 2009-10 and also made six first-team appearances, including his first Championship start on the final day of the season.
Callum Ball
Position: Striker
Shirt number: 26
Nationality: English
Date of birth: October 8, 1992
Previous clubs: None.
Callum Ball was drafted into Derby County’s first-team squad for the FA Cup third round tie at Millwall in January 2010. The Leicester-born Academy scholar was an unused substitute in that match but his inclusion was reward for his impressive form for the Under-18s. Ball has also featured for the Rams’ reserves during their 2009-10 totesport.com League Central Division campaign.
Shirt number: 26
Nationality: English
Date of birth: October 8, 1992
Previous clubs: None.
Callum Ball was drafted into Derby County’s first-team squad for the FA Cup third round tie at Millwall in January 2010. The Leicester-born Academy scholar was an unused substitute in that match but his inclusion was reward for his impressive form for the Under-18s. Ball has also featured for the Rams’ reserves during their 2009-10 totesport.com League Central Division campaign.
Alberto Bueno (on loan from Real Valladolid)
Position: Striker/midfielder
Shirt number: 27
Nationality: Spanish
Date of birth: March 20, 1988
Previous clubs: Real Madrid, Real Valladolid.
Alberto Bueno joined Derby County on a season-long loan from Spanish side Real Valladolid in August 2010. A product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, the forward was recommended to Rams coach Johnny Metgod by former team-mate and current Spanish national boss Vincente del Bosque. Bueno gained limited first-team experience with Madrid, including a Champions League appearance, before joining Valladolid for around three million euros. The talented youngster has represented Spain at youth level up to and including the under-21s.
Shirt number: 27
Nationality: Spanish
Date of birth: March 20, 1988
Previous clubs: Real Madrid, Real Valladolid.
Alberto Bueno joined Derby County on a season-long loan from Spanish side Real Valladolid in August 2010. A product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, the forward was recommended to Rams coach Johnny Metgod by former team-mate and current Spanish national boss Vincente del Bosque. Bueno gained limited first-team experience with Madrid, including a Champions League appearance, before joining Valladolid for around three million euros. The talented youngster has represented Spain at youth level up to and including the under-21s.
Tomasz Cywka
Position: Forward
Shirt number: 19
Nationality: Polish
Date of birth: June 27, 1988
Previous clubs: Gwarek Zabrze, Wigan Athletic, Oldham Athletic (loan), Derby County (loan).
Tomasz Cywka joined Derby County on a two-year deal in the summer of 2010 following a successful loan spell towards the end of the 2009-10 season. His contract with Wigan Athletic had expired and the two clubs came to an agreement that allowed the young forward to sign for the Rams. It was former Derby boss Paul Jewell who brought Cywka to England from his native Poland in 2006 but he only made two senior appearances during his time with the Latics, both in cup competitions.
Shirt number: 19
Nationality: Polish
Date of birth: June 27, 1988
Previous clubs: Gwarek Zabrze, Wigan Athletic, Oldham Athletic (loan), Derby County (loan).
Tomasz Cywka joined Derby County on a two-year deal in the summer of 2010 following a successful loan spell towards the end of the 2009-10 season. His contract with Wigan Athletic had expired and the two clubs came to an agreement that allowed the young forward to sign for the Rams. It was former Derby boss Paul Jewell who brought Cywka to England from his native Poland in 2006 but he only made two senior appearances during his time with the Latics, both in cup competitions.
Steve Davies
Position: Striker/midfielder
Shirt number: 7
Nationality: English
Date of birth: December 29, 1987
Previous clubs: Tranmere Rovers.
Steve Davies was signed by Paul Jewell from Tranmere Rovers in the summer of 2008. The talented forward made 69 appearances for Rovers, scoring five goals, but missed most of the 2007-8 campaign with a cruciate knee ligament injury. Davies scored his first Derby goal to earn a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at the end of September but was sidelined soon afterwards when he suffered a fractured eye socket and cheekbone. His injury woes have continued since then, restricting his time in the team, and another cruciate knee ligament injury, suffered in July 2010, will keep him out until 2011.
Shirt number: 7
Nationality: English
Date of birth: December 29, 1987
Previous clubs: Tranmere Rovers.
Steve Davies was signed by Paul Jewell from Tranmere Rovers in the summer of 2008. The talented forward made 69 appearances for Rovers, scoring five goals, but missed most of the 2007-8 campaign with a cruciate knee ligament injury. Davies scored his first Derby goal to earn a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at the end of September but was sidelined soon afterwards when he suffered a fractured eye socket and cheekbone. His injury woes have continued since then, restricting his time in the team, and another cruciate knee ligament injury, suffered in July 2010, will keep him out until 2011.
Conor Doyle
Position: Striker/midfielder
Shirt number: 23
Nationality: American
Date of birth: October 13, 1991
Previous clubs: Dallas Texans, Creighton University.
American forward Conor Doyle was handed a two-year contract with Derby County in August 2010 after a successful trial in pre-season. Doyle was spotted by the Rams while playing for US youth soccer club Dallas Texans. He gave up a scholarship at Creighton University in Nebraska to make the move to England. Doyle’s Irish-born father, David, had a successful football career himself, playing in America’s Major Indoor Soccer League during the 1990s.
Shirt number: 23
Nationality: American
Date of birth: October 13, 1991
Previous clubs: Dallas Texans, Creighton University.
American forward Conor Doyle was handed a two-year contract with Derby County in August 2010 after a successful trial in pre-season. Doyle was spotted by the Rams while playing for US youth soccer club Dallas Texans. He gave up a scholarship at Creighton University in Nebraska to make the move to England. Doyle’s Irish-born father, David, had a successful football career himself, playing in America’s Major Indoor Soccer League during the 1990s.
Chris Porter
Position: Striker
Shirt number: 12
Nationality: English
Date of birth: December 12, 1983
Previous clubs: Bury, Oldham Athletic, Motherwell.
Chris Porter became Nigel Clough’s first signing when he joined the Rams for £400,000 from Scottish Premier League side Motherwell during the January 2009 transfer window. Wigan-born Porter has earned a reputation as a prolific goalscorer during spells with Bury, Oldham Athletic and Motherwell. The striker made a good start to his career at Pride Park with three goals in his first two starts but he missed the final eight weeks of the season due to a hip injury. He was also hampered by injury in 2009-10, scoring four goals in 22 league appearances, only 11 of them starts.
Shirt number: 12
Nationality: English
Date of birth: December 12, 1983
Previous clubs: Bury, Oldham Athletic, Motherwell.
Chris Porter became Nigel Clough’s first signing when he joined the Rams for £400,000 from Scottish Premier League side Motherwell during the January 2009 transfer window. Wigan-born Porter has earned a reputation as a prolific goalscorer during spells with Bury, Oldham Athletic and Motherwell. The striker made a good start to his career at Pride Park with three goals in his first two starts but he missed the final eight weeks of the season due to a hip injury. He was also hampered by injury in 2009-10, scoring four goals in 22 league appearances, only 11 of them starts.
Luke Varney (on loan at Blackpool)
Position: Striker
Shirt number: 22
Nationality: English
Date of birth: September 28, 1982
Previous clubs: Quorn, Crewe Alexandra, Charlton Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday (loan).
Luke Varney moved to Derby on loan from Charlton Athletic in November and the move became permanent on January 1, the striker signing a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Rams. Leicester-born Varney was plucked from non-league Quorn by Crewe Alexandra, who paid £50,000 for him in 2003. After scoring 25 goals for Crewe in the 2006-7 season, he was snapped up by Charlton in a £2m deal. He scored on his home debut for Derby, in the 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace in December 2008, but has since fallen down the pecking order and spent time on loan with Sheffield Wednesday during 2009-10.
Shirt number: 22
Nationality: English
Date of birth: September 28, 1982
Previous clubs: Quorn, Crewe Alexandra, Charlton Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday (loan).
Luke Varney moved to Derby on loan from Charlton Athletic in November and the move became permanent on January 1, the striker signing a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Rams. Leicester-born Varney was plucked from non-league Quorn by Crewe Alexandra, who paid £50,000 for him in 2003. After scoring 25 goals for Crewe in the 2006-7 season, he was snapped up by Charlton in a £2m deal. He scored on his home debut for Derby, in the 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace in December 2008, but has since fallen down the pecking order and spent time on loan with Sheffield Wednesday during 2009-10.
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