If he was looking for fanfare when he arrived at DCFC, Alex Pearce would have been bitterly disappointed, as his signing was largely overshadowed by the arrival of Darren Bent on the same day.

Bent is the marquee player that every Championship team hungers for, a proven goal scorer who despite still possessing top flight quality, chose our club over a host of suitors. A genuine ‘star signing’.

On the flip side of the coin we have 26 year old Alex Pearce - a proven toiler from Reading, who is not afraid to put his body on the line and get the job done with far less accolade and attention than his fellow arrival, but is a signing that adds depth and experience to Derby’s depleted defence.

The 6ft 2in Centre Back arrived at Derby on a free transfer after 14 years at the one club having joined Reading at the age of 12. Besides a few loan spells earlier in his career, he had not set foot elsewhere, until the Rams came knocking with a three year deal that was too good for the lifelong Royal to resist.

Having chalked up 240 league appearances to date including 20 during Reading's Premier League season (17 goals), he is likely to pass the quarter of a century mark at the Rams (hope I haven’t jinxed you Alex!), quite an achievement for a player who is still only 26 years of age.

Despite being born in England, through his parent’s lineage, Pearce played at International level, initially with Scotland U19’s and U21’s. He then ran out for the Republic of Ireland, who he was also eligible for, on his full International debut for whom he has made 5 appearances, scoring 2 goals.

Speaking to the media after confirming his switch to Derby, Pearce was looking to a bright future at the Rams;

“It’s a big thing for me to get this deal over the line and I’m really delighted that everything has been finalised. I found out about it quite early doors after the season finished and after we had got in contact with each other, everything escalated really quickly. It’s been a smooth transition and it is very pleasing that I’m going to be part of such a great club going forward.”

“I need a fresh challenge and this with Derby is exactly what I’m looking for. Last season, admittedly, was a difficult season for Reading and I’m sure they will be looking to have a better season themselves next year, but for myself I’m looking at a new challenge of trying to get promoted with Derby County.”

Pearce adds more leadership quality to the Rams squad having been made both Vice Captain and Captain of Reading in recent years, as well having won their player of the season in 2011/12.

The reaction of Reading fans to Pearce’s departure was divided, as many were sad to see a heart and soul defender leave, while others felt it was time he and the club moved on.

With the Royals struggling it is easy to blame defenders when goals go in, but when a team is not doing well, often the midfield opening up in front of them can make their job much harder than it should be. Derby fans know that as well as anything after our last few months!

Hopefully with a new Head Coach and added depth to the Rams squad, Derby will plug the gaps in front of Pearce and allow him to get back to the form that found him lauded by both fans and pundits.

He arrives at Derby at an exciting time and has age on his side as he looks to kick start his career at a new club.

Good luck Alex — may you step out of the shadows and have Rams fans talking about your exploits in the same breath as Darren Bent by seasons end!

Photo: Action Images

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