3/1 To Win
Craig Forsyth recently signed a new two-year contract with Derby County - and the defender says there was never any doubt in his mind that he would put pen-to-paper.
The 31-year-old, who has recorded over 200 appearances for the club since signing from Watford in 2013, was due to see his contract expire at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
It was, however, confirmed last month that Forsyth has extended his stay at Pride Park Stadium until the summer of 2022.
Forsyth has been particularly unfortunate on the injury front in recent years, sustaining three long-term knee injuries which have kept him out of action for some time.
He has bounced back on each occasion, overcoming the mental and physical challenges required, and has established himself as an important member of Phillip Cocu’s squad.
The Scotland international can play at left-back and in central defence and, alongside his versatility, his physical presence and attacking intent has seen him feature 24 times in all competitions this season.
When it came to discussing the opportunity to remain at the club, Forsyth says he needed little convincing.
Forsyth told RamsTV: “It was a really easy conversation when it was initially discussed and there was no doubt in my head that I wanted to stay here.
“I’ve had seven years here so far and there have been ups and downs but there is still unfinished business.
“The club have been great with me throughout my injuries and all that stuff, so it was a no brainer for me to stay here.”
Forsyth is Derby’s current second longest serving player behind Chris Martin.
The duo had loan spells at Pride Park Stadium in the 2012/13 campaign, before penning permanent contracts in the summer of 2013.
In the seven years since Forsyth joined Derby, he admits there has been plenty of change on and off the pitch.
One thing is for certain, he feels the club has moved forward in terms of its facilities and infrastructure.
“The club has changed since I first joined,” he said.
“There is only myself and Chris Martin left from when I signed. A lot of staff behind the scenes are still the same, but the management staff and coaching staff have changed as well.
“It’s a lot different but the club has definitely moved forward. The training ground facilities have improved.
“The Academy are producing players to step into the first team too, so I think it’s moved forward.”
Recalling his stand-out moments at the club, the 2013/14 campaign provided Forsyth’s stand-out memories to date.
Derby finished third in the Championship table and reached the Play-Off Final, although they were beaten on the day by Queens Park Rangers at Wembley Stadium.
While the season didn’t have the ending everyone associated with the club would have wanted, Forsyth says the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest and the 4-1 Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg success against Brighton & Hove Albion are his favourite moments from his seven years to date.
He said: “The two that jump out straight away are from 2014.
“The 5-0 win against Nottingham Forest and the second leg of the play-off semi-finals against Brighton & Hove Albion stand out for me.
“The atmosphere in both of those games was brilliant and they are probably my two favourite games since I’ve been here.”
Forsyth has made 205 appearances in total for Derby, of which 196 have been starts and he has scored on four occasions.
