Tue 01 Jul - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County’s defensive ranks have been bolstered by the signing of Danny Batth.
The centre-back brings a wealth of EFL experience to Pride Park Stadium and this is the story of his career so far…
Batth was born in the West Midlands and began his career in the Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy.
Following a series of loans at Colchester United, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, he nailed down a place in the heart of Wolves’ defence by playing every league game as they won the 2013/14 League One title with a record points total of 103.
He was a key player as the Molineux club reestablished themselves in the second tier over the next three seasons, being named captain and making a total of 121 appearances.
Batth’s opportunities were limited following the arrival of Nuno Espírito Santo ahead of the title-winning 2017/18 season, but he lifted the Championship trophy as skipper before heading out on loan ahead of the next campaign.
The centre-back spent the first half of 2018/19 at Middlesbrough, before joining Stoke City on a permanent deal in January 2019.
He made over 100 appearances in all competitions for the Potters, but the lure of another promotion challenge saw him join then-League One Sunderland midway through the 2021/22 season.
After recovering from injury, he became key as Alex Neil’s side secured their top-six place before playing every minute of their successful play-off run, with Wycombe Wanderers beaten 2-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium.
Batth was a regular following promotion and the Black Cats embarked on another play-off campaign in May 2023, but he wasn’t involved as Luton Town progressed.
A stop-start season at Carrow Road with Norwich City followed but after making the switch to Ewood Park, he was a picture of consistency as Blackburn emerged as top-six contenders under current Derby boss John Eustace.
An injury to Batth coincided with a loss in form, but they recovered to end the season strongly with the defender starting each of the last eight games, which included a run of four straight wins and he now arrives at Pride Park just shy of 500 career appearances.
