3/1 To Win
Left-back signs a new long-term contract with Derby County.
Derby County’s Scotland international left-back Craig Forsyth has this afternoon put pen-to-paper on a new four-year deal with the Club.
The former Dundee defender has penned fresh terms after a consistent 2013/14 campaign in which he played in every single one of the Rams’ fixtures.
Having agreed a new deal, he will now remain with the Rams until the summer of 2018, following in the footsteps of Jeff Hendrick who yesterday signed a new deal with the Club.
Head Coach Steve McClaren commented: “We’re very pleased that Craig Forsyth sees his long-term future with Derby County.
“Off the back of Jeff Hendrick penning a new deal on Thursday we’re pleased that another key member of last season’s team has committed their future to the Club.
“Craig has worked hard at his game and that was evident in his performances, especially in the second half of last season, as he played a key role at both ends of the pitch.”
Forsyth initially joined the Rams on loan from fellow Sky Bet Championship side Watford in March 2013 and made his debut in the 1-1 draw with Cardiff City.
However, by his third game for the Rams – a 2-1 victory over Leicester City - Forsyth was deployed at left-back and marked his first appearance in the back four with an assist for the winning goal as he crossed for Chris Martin.
The Scotsman’s loan spell in the East Midlands was cut short as he was recalled by his parent club following 10 appearances for the Rams, but he was back with Derby in the summer of 2013, signing a three-year contract after an undisclosed fee had been agreed between the two clubs.
He went on to make 53 appearances for the Rams during the 2013/14 season, scoring his first goal for the Club in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s in February.
The full-back’s ever-presence and consistent performances led to international honours, as Forsyth was named in Gordon Strachan’s Scotland squad for their international friendly with Nigeria at Fulham’s Craven Cottage last month.
Both Martin and Forsyth were brought off the bench by Strachan in their natural positions in the 2-2 draw and showed glimpses of the form that earned them in a place on the international stage, as 25-goal striker Martin was introduced into the action as a half-time substitute while left-back Forsyth entered the fray after 77 minutes.
