With so much talk of the Rams young starlets being targeted – when a club finally came calling it was not a Hughes or Hendrick – instead the Premier League new boys swooped for established Rams defender John Brayford. Now we ask – will the money be spent on new players and if so… who?
Brayford has joined new top flight team Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee believed to be around 1.5 – 2 million pounds. Some would say it is a bargain for one of the better defenders in our division – but frankly that is nearly a default feeling for fans when DCFC have made any sale for quite some time.
Nigel Clough must be especially proud of the players rise as he shaped his career at Burton before he joined Crewe Alexander only to be signed for the Rams by Clough again once he took charge at Pride Park.
Brayford ran out for the Rams 117 times, scoring 4 goals. His attacking run, creativity and defend at all cost attitude - made him a fan favourite which resulted in him picking up the 2010/11 ‘Player Of The Year Award’. Since then - despite putting in some great shifts and one of the best ever Derby goals - Brayford has had a few struggles with injury which may have lessened the asking price.
There is no doubt fans have become jaded in the last decade as we have seen assets sold off at seemingly bargain basement prices with a promise of new quality players. In reality the signings that followed have rarely matched the fans expectation of what a ‘quality player’ is.
With a new CEO sprouting positive promises including a commitment to a genuine tilt at promotion – this is now crunch time as the club will be expected to re-invest that money in one or two areas that Clough and the fans have clearly identified as a concern.
These signings will need to be either talented youngsters on the rise or established stars that will add something to what is a very talented young Derby squad. My preference would be the latter and I don’t think I am alone in thinking another older head would be handy – and with all respect to John Eustace - not one that old.
Manager Nigel Clough spoke after the news of Brayfords departure:
“We’re sad to see John go but he wanted to play in the Premier League and once Cardiff came in with an offer, he made it clear to us it was an opportunity he wanted to take up. We have got a very good fee for John and that money will ensure the squad is strengthened as a result.”
“He has given us three excellent years of service and we wish him well at the Cardiff, but we have to move on and the search is now underway, although we have a number of targets in mind already, to ensure we improve the squad.”
“We have another very capable right-back in Kieron Freeman on the books who did well last season, when called upon."
“We should not see today’s news as a negative. We have the opportunity now to add to the squad and that’s what we are determined to do.”
With Freeman ready need to fill the role of Right Back and Clough stating that the purse strings are now open – how would you like to see the money spent?
Log into RamZone (just look in the top right hand corner and sign up) and tell us what position and we should strengthen and who you would like to see pull on a Rams shirt.
RamZone would like to wish John Brayford all the best at his new club and I am sure most of us will have a new team to cheer for in the Premier League any time that our former favourite pulls on the City shirt!
Go for it John!!