Rams defender commits his future to the club.
Rams defender commits his future to the club.
Club Captain Shaun Barker has committed his long-term future to Derby County by signing a contract extension until the summer of 2015.
The 29-year-old central defender dislocated his knee cap, as well as rupturing his medial ligaments, anterior cruciate ligaments and posterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee, in addition to lateral damage, in Derby's 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in March at Pride Park Stadium, has penned a one-year extension to his existing deal which was due to expire in the summer of 2014.
By offering the influential leader a contract extension, Nigel Clough has confirmed both his and Shaun’s belief that he remains part of their plans for the future during a long and gruelling rehabilitation programme to regain full fitness.
Clough said:
“Shaun remains very much part of our plans and it’s important for him to know that, and we’re very pleased he has extended his contract.
“We’ve strengthened the defence Shaun’s absence with the arrival of Richard Keogh, and the availability Jake Buxton, Mark O’Brien, Valentin Gjokaj, Tom Naylor and James O’Connor provide us with quality and experience.
“Shaun is a true leader and while we’re missing his qualities on the pitch, we’re not missing out off the field. He is playing a pivotal role in the changing room with the lads, which we knew he would do.
“He has a huge part to play this season despite not being available for selection and he’s making steady progress. As we said when he the injury was announced, we’re going to be with him every step of the way.”Barker has made 105 appearances in Derby County colours since his arrival from Blackpool in the summer of 2009, for an undisclosed fee.
His start against Forest back in March was his 100th for Derby and in the process he has managed to score on six occasions, with his last coming in the Rams’ 3-1 win over Middlesbrough at Pride Park Stadium in September 2010.
Barker has made 387 appearances in total during his professional career - turning out for Rotherham United, Blackpool and Derby.
Watch interviews with manager Nigel Clough and Shaun Barker on Rams Player.
