3/1 To Win
A proud Callum Guy has spoken of his determination to build on the progress he has made over 2017 after signing a three-year contract with the club.
It was announced that the 20-year-old midfielder has committed his future to the club alongside Alex Pearce, the defender, Mason Bennett and Max Bird.
For Guy, the contract comes with extra meaning, given that he has grown through the Rams’ Academy since the age of nine.
“I’m delighted to get the contract over the line,” he said in an interview with RamsTV. “It is a very proud moment for me, my family and my friends.”
“I’m just glad to sign the deal and work on from now for another three years at Derby, especially because I have been here since I was nine.
“It’s always nice to stay somewhere where you know the surroundings and the people really well.
“I have to say a massive thank you to my team mates and coaches as well – especially with being injured for so long, they’ve always pushed me and helped me to get back out on the pitch.”
Guy’s new contract comes in the same month that he made his senior Derby County bow.
He appeared as a late substitute in the Rams’ 3-2 defeat to Carabao Cup Second Round defeat to Barnsley, replacing fellow Under-23s team-mate Max Bird who was also making his debut.
Under Gary Rowett, Guy became the third Academy player to make their senior bow for Derby and like his new contract, it was a special moment for the midfielder – one that he has been working towards for a number of years now.
He added: “Gary (Rowett) just kept asking me when I was back fit and was always pushing me to the first team, especially with my first game back being my professional debut.
“It was a very, very pleasing moment for me and for him to give me that opportunity was very special
“You can tell with Max (Bird) and Kellan (Gordon) making their debut this season, that young players continue to get their opportunity at Derby.
“Apart from the result, my debut was very special and it was just nice to get out on the pitch to play some minutes with the first team.”
This calendar year has also seen Guy make his EFL debut too, after he joined Port Vale on a half-season loan.
The midfielder impressed heavily with his combative displays – so much so that Michael Brown, then manager at Vale Park, was desperate to take him back according to Rowett.
Speaking about the experience for the first time since returning to the club, Guy admitted senior football was ‘completely different’ to what he had been used to.
“Up until my injury, I thought I did well out there at Port Vale,” he said. “I thought I performed really well but I was just happy to get first team experience.
“It is really important for a young lad like me to go out and experience first team football.
“It is completely different to Under-23s football. It’s so ‘in your face’ and 100 per cent more tempo. It was really tough but I’m glad to get that experience.
“It was nice to get out there and showcase what I can do on a first team environment.”
