Thu 19 Mar - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Richard O’Donnell has committed his future to Derby County until the end of the 2026/27 season.
The extension comes after the club opted to activate a one-year extension clause in the goalkeeper’s contract.
A vastly experienced shot-stopper approaching 500 career appearances, O’Donnell joined Derby from Blackpool last summer, providing competition to Jacob Widell Zetterström and Josh Vickers in the Rams’ goalkeeping ranks.
The 37-year-old has featured on four occasions in the Sky Bet Championship since his arrival at Pride Park Stadium, with all three of his starts resulting in victory for John Eustace’s side.
O’Donnell debuted for the Rams in January, displaying immense professionalism when coming into the XI at short notice to help the side claim a 2-1 victory against Charlton Athletic at The Valley.
He kept his maiden Rams clean sheet 10 days later during Derby’s record-breaking 5-0 away success at Bristol City, while the Sheffield-born ‘keeper secured a second shutout amid a highly impressive display in Monday’s 1-0 win against Portsmouth, making nine saves at Fratton Park.
Discussing his new deal, O’Donnell told RamsTV: “I’m really happy to extend my time with Derby. From the moment I signed, I thought this is the place I want to be and I want to be here for longer.
“I love the environment, as well as the culture that the manager and the staff have set. The standards are high, and I really enjoy coming to work every day and giving everything I've got.”
O’Donnell becomes the latest player to sign a contract extension at Pride Park, following Joe Ward, who penned a new deal last week.
