NEW DEAL THAT REWARDS COLIN’S RAMS INFLUENCE
VETERAN HAS CLOSED THE DEBATE ON MARTIN DEPARTURE
PERHAPS the biggest compliment Colin Kazim-richards can be paid is that the intense debate over Chris Martin’s departure from Derby County last summer is no longer a talking point.
Martin was a key figure for many years, an excellent centre-forward in Derby’s 4-3-3 system and, for two or three seasons, he was arguably the top striker of his kind in the Championship.
His record was 76 goals in 224 games, but the player and club could not reach an agreement over a new deal and Martin left. He is now with Bristol City.
Martin’s exit left Derby without a natural focal point of their attack in the early months of this season. Martyn Waghorn had worked tirelessly when asked to fill the role, but the team needed a ‘nine.’
Step forward Colin Kazim-richards.
The 34-year-old arrived as a free agent in October, returning to English football for the first time in seven years after plying his trade in a number of countries.
Opinion over the signing was split. How much of an impact would he make? What would he offer the squad?
He has answered those questions. Kazim-richards had to build match fitness and he made a lowkey start, during which he made six appearances as a substitute.
He was left out of the squad for the game against Bristol City at Ashton Gate in November, with manager Wayne Rooney explaining: “I spoke to him and said he was not training well enough, and look at his reaction from then to now, it’s been fantastic.”
Rooney handed Kazim-richards his first start against Wycombe Wanderers towards the end of November and he has now made 18 consecutive starts, scoring six goals.
Among his goals have been winners against Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City. He also scored in wins against Swansea City, Birmingham City and Middlesbrough, plus in a 1-1 draw with Coventry City.
He was desperately unlucky to have a goal disallowed against Watford a week ago, but there is much more to his game.
His hold-up play and his physical presence are vital features. He occupies opposition defenders, they do not like playing against him. Then there is his character on and off the pitch. Team-mates feed off his work and his determination.
Asked what he had done to bring out the level of performance seen from Kazim-richards, Rooney said: “The big thing is I have given him ownership of his game. Everyone can see his qualities.
“He’s a real leader, I have let him lead the players in the dressing room and give him responsibility.
“You can see he is a fantastic character, he is not only bringing the best out of himself but also the best out of other players as well.
“He is not wearing the armband, he is not the club captain, but he is a massive leader for us.”
Kazim-richards’ contract has been extended by 12 months until the summer of 2022, and deservedly so, on his contribution so far.
He turns 35 in August. Some will point to that, understandably, but he is playing with terrific enthusiasm and appears to be enjoying his football, enjoying being part of a team that is battling and striving to improve under Rooney.
He is starting every game at present. That might not continue next season depending on how Derby shape their squad but he has shown he can be a key figure.