3/1 To Win
Paul Clement says Chris Baird has shown all the qualities required to merit being named as Derby County’s new Captain.
Paul Clement says Chris Baird has shown all the qualities required to merit being named as Derby County’s new Captain.
The 33-year-old was today revealed as Derby’s new skipper by Clement at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s 2015/16 Sky Bet Championship opener at Bolton Wanderers.
The former Southampton, Fulham and West Bromwich Albion player, who can play in defence or midfield, wore the armband on a number of occasions during pre-season.
However, Clement has stressed that the responsibility of being a leader on the pitch doesn’t solely rest on the Northern Ireland international, who joined Derby in June on a two-year contract as a free agent.
Clement told Rams Player HD: “Chris Baird will be the captain and he has shown a lot of qualities during the pre-season period to take on that role.
“I think he will do very well in that position.
“However, I must state that we have a fantastic group of senior players in the dressing room as well.”
He added: “Chris has got an important role, which is why I have selected him for it.
“I think he can do a good job but the responsibility doesn’t just lie on his shoulders.
“He is the captain of the side but I’ll be looking for leadership from all the players.”
Clement has insisted that all of the senior players in the dressing room have an instrumental part to play.
A selection of squad members wore the armband during pre-season, in addition to Baird, as Clement considered who would occupy the armband on a full-time basis for the new season.
Since his arrival at the start of June, Clement has recruited a number of players with significant Premier League and Championship experience.
He explained: “Jason Shackell has obviously joined us and we also have players such as Richard Keogh, Lee Grant, Chris Martin, Darren Bent and Scott Carson too.
“They are all great leaders and mature players, senior professionals, and all of that group are going to be a massive support to myself, the team and Chris Baird as well; I’m glad to call upon all of them.”
