RamBites: Brayford Commits, Waggy Leaving Foxes & More!!
Thursday, 25th Aug 2011 15:33 by Daniel J Sewart

A great start to the season was made better by the news that John Brayford has extended his contract with the Rams. Martyn Waghorn may become a Ram if Sven will let him - while a Derby fan traces Brian Clough’s footsteps.

After winning Derby’s ‘Player Of The Season’ last season – John Brayford has not just become a fan favourite but a cornerstone of building the Rams team for the future.

At 23-years of age the former Crewe player has put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at Pride Park until at least 2013/14.

Nigel Clough was glowing in his praise of Brayford after the announcement:

"This is fantastic news for Derby County and we're delighted to announce John has extended his contract.”

"He is a joy to work with and it is significant for this club that someone with his potential and consistency of performance has committed his long-term future here.”

"We're almost at the stage now where John's good performances go un-commented on because they are delivered in a typically understated, professional and dedicated way."

As always John Brayford talked more about the team than himself:

"Last season was last season and it was nice on a personal note but it has gone now, the team is the most important thing and it is nice we are getting our rewards at the moment for the hard work we are putting in."

"When I signed last summer, I just tried to do my best and see where that took me. Whether that was going to be good enough or not, I was just going to give 100 per cent for the club."

"Can I get better as a player? I think you always strive to be better and try to improve in the areas you are not so good at and that is what I will be trying to do."

RamZone along with all Rams fans would like to wish John all the best and thank him for committing long term to the Rams.

Securing their best players is a strategy that can only serve the club well over the long term and with the likes of John Brayford on the team sheet – success on the field is only a matter of time for DCFC.

Sven Says Waggy Can Go!

Sven seems to be willing to let Martyn Waghorn leave the Foxes after keeping him locked up last season when the player was busting for first team football.

Various clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol and Southampton have been suggested in the press as possible suitors - with reports suggesting it may take over a million pounds to secure the player permanently.

If a fee cannot be agreed upon then Sven may consider a season long loan for the player with an eye to moving him on as part of the deal.

The great man spoke about 'Waggy' and in doing so produced a good serve of hypocrisy after not allowing him out – even on loan – last season:

"I really don't know which club Waggy will go to. I had a chat with him a few days ago and we agreed he is free to find another club," said Leicester boss Sven Goran Eriksson.”

"Waggy is in the same situation as last season when he didn't play regularly and he has started this season the same.”

"He needs to play football, if not; his career will go backwards not forwards. I know he is frustrated. He is young and he wants to play."

If Waghorn has any say in the matter then hopefully he will choose the Rams as his home but if a fee is required – the Rams may be out of the running with cash in short supply until Clough can ship out some deadwood.

If that proves to be the case – hopefully some clubs are in the market for some kindling very soon.

Reserves Rip It Up!

The Reserves had their first hit-out last night against Portvale and goals from Robinson, Maguire and Ball got the Rams home for a 3 – 1 victory.

Besides the goal scorers - the Rams fielded an experienced team including Legzdins, Jones, Roberts, Buxton and Cywka.

The best news of the night was the return to action of Jake Buxton who managed an hour of action as he returns from injury and looks to work his way back into first team contention.

Good work Jake!

A Very Derby Destination

A great article on the ‘RamsTrust’ site is a must read for any Derby fan.

In the story "Still Gentlemen and Champions in Cala Millor" - Derby County fan Roger Bourne documents his trip to the Spanish island of Majorca and finds himself re-tracing the footsteps of Clough, Taylor and their title winning chargers of 1971/72.

A brilliant read and on the RamTrust site now – Click here to read this must read article!

That’s all we can bite off for now – until next time!