Forsyth’s waiting game as future is unclear
DEFENDER GRATEFUL FOR OVATION FROM RAMS FANS
CRAIG Forsyth made his 256th appearance for Derby County in Saturday’s final game of the season against Cardiff City.
The figure would be much higher for the Rams’ longest-serving player had it not been for three serious knee injuries that robbed him of three years within a four-year period.
Three times he suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage and such luck would test the character and determination of any individual but Forsyth met the challenge head on each time.
His commitment in tackling one after another after another exhausting rehabilitation programmes is great credit to him.
As the Derby players took part in a lap of appreciation following the Cardiff game to say thank you to the supporters for their backing during a difficult season, the fans in return showed their appreciation of the efforts of the players.
Earlier, Forsyth had received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 65th minute.
“When I came off, it was lovely to get that reception from the fans,” he told Ramstv. “It was nice to show my appreciation to them and for them to show theirs to me as well.
“I have been here a long time and always tried my best and given it everything.”
The 33-year-old Scot has spent nine seasons with the Rams since he signed from Watford in July 2013 following a 10-game loan spell towards the end of the 2012-13 campaign.
He was another of Nigel Clough’s many bargain buys, only £150,000. He was first-choice left-back and ever-present in 2013-14 when Derby reached the Championship play-off final, only to lose to Queens Park Rangers.
What the future holds for Forsyth remains to be seen, as he is one of a number of first-team players out of contract this summer.
Manager Wayne Rooney is looking to reshape and rebuild his squad for League One next season but the club’s takeover saga rumbles on.
Rooney was asked on Saturday about his plans for Forsyth and said: “With Fozzy, he has been here a long time, 10 years.
“I’ve spoken to Fozzy and I’m sure he won’t mind me saying that we are still making a decision on that.”
Forsyth added: “We don’t know what’s going on or happening for next year yet, we need to wait and see.
“Derby is home for me. I have been here nine years now and as a family we’re settled.”
Eight of the starting 11 against Cardiff are out of contract this summer. The eight are Ryan Allsop, Tom Lawrence, Ravel Morrison, Malcom Ebiowei, Curtis Davies, Eiran Cashin, Liam Thompson and Forsyth. Five of the players named among the seven substitutes are also out of contract, while the other two, Luke Plange and Festy Ebosele, are heading to Crystal Palace and Udinese.