INTERVIEW: “Our spirit will stand us in good stead” - Batth - Blog

Danny Batth believes Derby County’s strong team spirit will stand the side in good stead going into the second half of the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship season.

Derby’s resilience has been tested at various stages over the course of the campaign to date, none more so than the 1-1 draw at Birmingham City on Boxing Day.

After taking the lead midway through the first half courtesy of Patick Agyemang’s header, wing-back Joe Ward was sent off for two bookable offences.

That meant the Rams had to roll their sleeves up against one of the division’s strongest sides on home territory with a numerical disadvantage.

The side stepped up to the plate and produced a dogged defensive display in the West Midlands and, after Jack Robinson equalised for the hosts, Derby dug deep to earn a point away from home.

The spirit, desire and togetherness of the group was clear to see and, after reaching the halfway point of the campaign, Batth is convinced those qualities will be required in the season’s remaining 23 league fixtures.

“Birmingham are a good team and we had to counter that after losing Joe Ward with the sending off - we dealt with it really well,” Batth told Sky Sports after the game.

“You work on scenarios and stuff like that in training with ten men, because it can happen at any time. It was about being disciplined and communicating really well.

“It shows as a group how together we are. Whoever comes into the side, they want to do a job for the manager, team and the club.

“Our spirit and togetherness was tested and it was important we saw it out. That spirit will stand us in good stead.”

Experienced defender Batth, who is 35, made his fourth league start of the season against Birmingham.

The centre-back came into the side in place of the ineligible Dion Sanderson, who is on loan from the Blues, and produced an assured performance.

Although his game time has been limited, Batth knows he has a vital role to play as a leader in the squad no matter if he is in the starting line-up or not.

Discussing playing six times out of 23 in the league this season, Batth said: “I’ve had a couple of niggles and bits and pieces.

“Whoever is playing, I will support them and push them every single day in training. That will be the same whether it is me out the team or someone else. We’re all in it together.”