2 Deadline Day Signings That Derby County Could Complete To Survive The Season
Derby County have not made the sort of start they would have expected to in the league this term, though that may be due in part to the surprising lack of transfer activity made by Gary Rowett’s club.
Owner Mel Morris promised the boss that, within budget of course, he would have a free reign to remodel and choose his own squad this summer. I commented here some months ago that such a policy is excellent for a coach, but also brings its own pressures as the buck lies squarely with Rowett now if things should not work out.
It’s too early to tell of course, whether or not he has done enough in this transfer window, with the signings of Curtis Davies, Tom Huddlestone and Tom Lawrence looking like real quality but in short supply. Add to this that what Lawrence brings will (hopefully) simply replace what they already had with Tom Ince, and the signing of Andre Wisdom was again made because of the decision to allow another key player to leave, this time Cyrus Christie.
More new faces could come in though, namely these two:
Tomer Hemed (Brighton and Hove Albion)
The Seagulls’ forward is also being linked tentatively with a move to Leeds United as well, though that one looks less likely I would say. He is perhaps not considered quite good enough for Chris Hughton as far as Premier League football is concerned and could be allowed to leave on Thursday, for the right money of course.
The Israeli has done really well at this level, scoring 28 goals in 82 appearances on the south coast and would perhaps give the Rams the sort of goal scorer they are crying out for, especially with a supply line including Lawrence in the set-up.
Callum Robinson (Preston North End)
For his part, Robinson has made all the right noises about being happy at Preston North End and has made moves to reassure the fans that his commitment remains solid. He is clearly genuinely enjoying his time at Deepdale and it would take a good deal and a big club to make him move.
In terms of the size of the club, Robinson would not feel that he is at a bigger club in moving to Craven Cottage, given that Fulham are also interested in him, though the same cannot be said should about Derby. The Rams are still a big deal and probably will have more time in the Premier League in future seasons, which is something Robinson must take into account.
At Pride Park, as much as at Craven Cottage, Robinson could start games on the left of a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 and be given licence to cut inside, something he loves to do and is very adept at.