Sun 28 Jan - Posted in News
Time to read: 1min
Shane Nicholson says Derby County have made January a good month by announcing a number of new contracts.
Manager Gary Rowett committed his long-term future to the club until the summer of 2021 earlier this month.
He was swiftly followed by goalkeeper Scott Carson and midfielder George Thorne in penning fresh terms, in addition to defender Craig Forsyth and midfielder Joe Ledley towards the end of 2017.
Rowett has also added to his squad this month by signing Norwich City striker Cameron Jerome to strength Derby’s striking options.
Nicholson, a regular guest on RamsTV this season as a pundit and co-commentator, has been impressed with the way Derby have gone about their business.
He has highlighted Rowett reaffirming his commitment to the club as a huge positive after overseeing their rise into second place in the Sky Bet Championship table.
The 47-year-old made 87 appearances for Derby during his playing days and appeared in 20 of the first 27 games of the promotion-winning campaign under Jim Smith in 1995/96.
The former Rams full-back told RamsTV’s Review Show last week: “It’s been great to see these deals get done in January.
“I am sure Gary signing his new contract will have settled a few minds down for sure. Once he got linked with a move away I am sure there would have been a bit of talk in the dressing room.
“That can unsettle teams and it was a great move from Mel Morris to get Gary signed up for the next few years.”
Nicholson believes both Carson and Thorne warrant their new contracts.
Carson has been an ever-present between the posts in the league this season and was named as the Championship’s Player of the Month for December.
Thorne, meanwhile, has recovered from a long-term lay-off with a broken leg and started in four of the Rams’ last five matches.
“Who can argue with Scott Carson getting his deal? He has been a massive player,” said Nicholson.
“For a back four, you need to be confident with the goalkeeper behind you and it means so much, it really does.
“Then there’s George Thorne as well. I am sure he has had to overcome some massive doubts in his mind.
“He’s been unlucky with injuries. I have no doubt he will have been wondering if he would be back playing to the level he’s capable of and if he would get a new deal.
“He has got himself back in the team and one which is playing well and winning games. I think we will see the very best of George next season.”
