EFL ease shackles for Rams to add to the squad
DERBY County have added two new faces to their squad.
Defender Phil Jagielka and striker Sam Baldock, both free agents, have joined the Rams on short-term deals until January and they are available for tonight’s Championship fixture against Hull City at the MKM Stadium (7.45pm).
The Rams are operating under a strict transfer embargo but they applied to the EFL for special dispensation to replace injured striker Colin Kazim-Richards and defensive midfielder Krystian Bielik, who will be out until around the turn of the year.
Jagielka, who was 39 yesterday, has played almost 700 games in his club career with Everton and Sheffield United, and scored 41 goals. He has 40 caps for England.
Baldock, who is 32, has made 408 appearances in total for MK Dons, West Ham United, Bristol City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Reading, scoring 115 goals.
Manager Wayne Rooney spoke about his new signings and further transfer plans at his pre-match press conference yesterday. Here is what he said:
How pleased are you to get Phil Jagielka and Sam Baldock in?
Rooney: “Very pleased. They have been with us for large parts of preseason, so to get them in is great news for us.
“They are two very experienced players who will help the team, help the squad. We’re disappointed we have lost Colin (Kazim-Richards) for a long period of time but to get the two lads in is pleasing.”
Was it conversations with the EFL over injuries to Colin KazimRichards and Krystian Bielik that allowed you to bring in Jagielka and Baldock?
Rooney: “To be honest, I am not too sure how it has happened. I know (CEO) Stephen Pearce was speaking to the EFL and then he called me to say we can bring in two players.
“I did not ask questions on why that was, but I think the EFL have probably seen the position we are in and showed a bit of compassion.”
Surely the conversation could have been had earlier if Krystian Bielik was the other long-term injured player?
Rooney: “I think the conversation was had earlier, obviously things change. We have lost Colin (KazimRichards), which is a big blow for us, and also we need more players as well.
“I’m sure people are working hard in the background to try to allow us to do that.”
Tomorrow is the deadline for Derby to re-submit their accounts. Have you sought assurances that they are going to be OK because it has a huge affect on you as the manager if they are not?
Rooney: “That has nothing to do with me. I don’t see the accounts, personally.
“All I can do is focus on the team and let the businessmen deal with that side of the game and the club. It is not my job.
“I wouldn’t expect anyone to interfere with my team selection, so I don’t interfere with the business side of the club.”
Is that it for new signings for now? Have the EFL said you can have two players in and that is your lot for now?
Rooney: “Yes, as far as I am aware.
Obviously, I am always pushing to try to get more players.
“My understanding is we could do two players. We have done them and got them over the line as quick as we could. We have lost one (in Colin Kazim-Richards) and gained two but I think we need to bring in quite a few more.”