3/1 To Win
Paul Clement has revealed that Chris Baird will be Derby County’s captain for the 2015/16 season.
Paul Clement has revealed that Chris Baird will be Derby County’s captain for the 2015/16 season.
The 33-year-old, capable of performing in either defence or midfield, joined Derby on a two-year deal from West Bromwich Albion in July.Baird has 72 international caps to his name for Northern Ireland and recorded over 300 club career appearances during his playing career, while he also has experience of being a leader on the pitch, having worn the captain’s armband at both club and international level.
The Ballymoney-born player captained Derby on a number of occasions during pre-season and Clement has confirmed that he will now occupy the armband on a permanent basis.
Derby’s Head Coach said: “Chris is an experienced player and has shown in pre-season that he has leadership qualities, which is why I’ve selected him to wear the armband.
"He wore it just pre-season and responded well; I believe naming him as captain will be received positively.
“He has an important role to play as captain on the pitch, but we have a number of experienced senior professionals as well.
“Those senior professionals have a vitally important role to play and we want all of our players to act as leaders on the pitch.”
Baird’s career began on the South Coast with Southampton during the 2002/03 season and, as well as representing the Saints, he has also turned out for Walsall, Watford, Fulham, Burnley, Reading and West Bromwich Albion prior to linking up with the Rams.
On the international stage, Baird appeared for his country for the first time at senior level in June 2003 against Italy and of his 72 caps, 66 have been starts.
