Derby County supporters have been left anticipating Craig Forsyth’s testimonial after it was revealed that the left-back has penned a new one-year deal with the club.
The deal means Forsyth will extend his long-serving stay at the club to 11 years.
The news comes just days after it was revealed that Derby would no longer be under a transfer embargo ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Initially joining the Rams on loan from Watford in 2013, Forsyth made his temporary switch permanent prior to the 2013/14 season and never looked back having now racked up more than 300 appearances in black and white.
“He is a testament to the club,” said Rams supporter Lewis Wilmot.
“To have gone through what he has been through personally, as well as what the club has had to deal with on and off the pitch, he deserved a lot of praise to have stuck with us for as long as he has.
“Amazingly, he has actually kicked on and improved this season despite turning 34. Who said you can not teach an old dog new tricks?
“I am super glad that he has been awarded with a new deal. He deserves it after so many dominating performances at centre-back this season, especially considering he has been out of position.
“He is a reliable member of the squad who will no doubt provide excellent cover once again, whilst also being a sturdy defensive output if called upon.”
Having represented the Rams for over a decade, Forsyth is entitled to a testimonial, something which has been granted by Derby owner David Clowes.
We're pleased to confirm that Craig Forsyth has signed a new one-year contract! 🙌🖊️
That'll take our longest serving player's association with us into a staggering 𝟭𝟭𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 🤩
He's requested and been granted a testimonial, too! 🖤🤍#DCFC
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) May 10, 2023
Talks of a testimonial have excited a number of Derby fans on social media, with many quick to start guessing which former Pride Park ballers are set to return for this one-off match in the East Midlands.
Who are we expecting to rock up to Fozzy’s testimonial then?
Johnny Russell ripping it up at Pride Park one last time… 👀
— Jacob Hackett (@jhackett__) May 10, 2023
Nugent waghorn ward George thorne
— Brian Potter (@DCFCBrianPotter) May 10, 2023
Grant
Wisdom Bucko Davies Forsyth
Thorne
Bryson Johnson
Ward Russel Dawkins— Dale Village (@dalevillage18) May 10, 2023
Russell ward martin bryson huges Hedrick would be a thing of beauty
— ross knight (@ross_knight98) May 11, 2023
There has been no confirmation as of yet regarding the time or date of the event, but the prospect the testimonial itself is an exciting one that Derby supporters seem keen to get behind.
Popular picks amongst the fans tend to be Johnny Russell, George Thorne and Craig Bryson: three core members and fan favourites of the Rams’ 2013/14 squad that reached the play-off final against QPR.
Fozzy’s Derby stay in numbers
Forsyth’s extended contract at Derby will take him into his 11th year with the club, but what are the other important numbers behind is spell at the club?
- The Scotsman has made 308 appearances for the Rams in his ten years so far.
- He has overcome three ACL injuries and has returned to fitness each time.
- Fozzy has seven goals to his name in black and white, also registering 27 assists.
- He has been booked 36 times for Derby, but never been sent off.
- The defender has represented Scotland three times during his stay with the Rams.
