The beginning of a new week finds DCFC increasing the transfer temperature, with the signing of former Forest fiend Nathan Tyson - and reportedly upping their offer for Barnsley’s Jason Shackell to £1 million pounds!
Taken by the Rams on a free transfer after the speedy forward turned down a new contract at Forest, Tyson joins Derby on a three-year deal a day after the manager he fell out with was shown the door.
Former Rams manager Billy Davies was removed on Sunday by the Forest board after what had often been an uncomfortable relationship finally became untenable. It seems they have acted swiftly to replace wee Billy by opening talks with former Derby assistant manager Steve McLaren.
It’s nice that the Trees feel that keeping the rivalry alive between clubs is as important as ever. Anyone would think both teams need an ex-manager or player on the books in some capacity if for no other reason than to keep things spicy between the clubs!
Who knows what Steve McLaren may have done with Nathan Tyson had things happened a little earlier but it matter for nought now, as the 29-year-old will now add his blistering pace and attacking prowess to the Derby cause.
Speaking to the official site, Tyson was happy with the move and showed no signs he may be worried about past history:
"I know they'll be some hoo-hah because I've moved from Forest and all that, but to me it's irrelevant now. I'm going to give 100% for this Club in every game and try to get us promoted to the Premier League.”
"This is probably the most important move of my entire career and I've got that fire in my belly to achieve something here. It's an exciting, fresh challenge and when I met the Gaffer (Nigel Clough) and his staff they sold the place to me in an instant."
"I'm coming here to play predominantly as a centre forward, when I was at Wycombe I scored a lot of goals playing through the middle and I believe I can do that again.”
"There is no better feeling in football than scoring goals and hopefully I can get my fair share for the supporters here."
"We already have a lot of good players and with the other signings the Gaffer is making it looks like we're going to have a really good chance this season. I know competition for the places will be tough but that only helps to make you a better player."
"This is a very impressive football club and I couldn't be more excited about joining.”
Nigel Clough was confident Tyson is an important part of his jigsaw for 11/12:
"Nathan is as quick as anyone in this division and that will excite the supporters. Also, he's shown throughout his career that when he plays as a striker he can score goals; at Wycombe he scored better than a goal every other game.”
"He was high up on our wanted list because he brings something to our team we haven't had for a long time; a genuine threat to get in behind defences I know he brings with him a bit of baggage because of the Forest thing, but that will soon be forgotten when the supporters see how hard he works and how committed he is to doing well for this Club.”
"That's one of the main things that stuck us when we spoke to him; how focused he is on his game and improving. He wants to achieve something and he wants to play at the highest level; he has a real hunger about him and that's what we need."
"Nathan is an important part of the jigsaw for us and I think it's a statement of intent that he has chosen to come here.”
"We intend to have plenty of attacking options this season and attack the league in a positive way. Hopefully, as our team and squad start to take shape, supporters will share in that excitement."
RamZone welcomes the newest player ready to wave the flag for (instead of at!) Derby, and wishes him all the best for the coming season and beyond.
As always, we will present a full player profile on our latest signing in the coming days.
Derby Attempt To Shackle Shackell With Cool Mill!
Tom Glick must be feeling dizzy at the thought of writing out the cheque, if a report in the ‘Barnsley Chronicle’ today is correct.
The Chronicle has reported today that Derby County has upped their previously rejected offer of £700,000 to one in the vicinity of £1m for the Jason Shackell.
The Barnsley club captain has become more and more popular, with the likes of Pompey tracking his availability. Reports late last week suggested it would take a million pounds to prise him away from Barnsley and it looks like the Rams have moved to ensure they snatch their target before he is wooed by another club.
The report went on to say that the board will talk the offer over with their new manager Keith Hill, who has stated previously in the press an offer for their captain may be accepted for the purpose of providing funds to bring in new players..
Hopefully, the Rams will manage to land Clough’s defensive target and add his second club captain in a week to his fast-changing squad for the coming season.
RamZone will keep you up to date with all the latest transfer news as it comes to hand.