Who Is Tom Naylor? - RamZone New Player Profile
Thursday, 17th Nov 2011 13:41 by Daniel J Sewart

With the news yesterday that Nigel had landed up and coming defensive talent Tom Naylor from Mansfield, RamZone as always dug deep to discover who our latest signing is.

Tomas Keith Naylor was born on the 28th of June 1991 in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.

As a youngster he was groomed to take a place in the midfield but after signing his first professional contract in 2009 with Mansfield Town was soon converted to become a central defender.

At 6 foot and 2 inches the imposing youngster showed he could read the play well and use his height and strength to slot into either right back or the centre of defence.

Naylor made his first-team debut against Altrincham in the penultimate game of the 2008–09 season. Despite finally debuting for Town, he spent the 2009 –10 season on a season-long loan at Belper Town.

At Belper his performances were impressive and quickly won over the local fans as he went on to claim the clubs player of the season award.

At the start of the 2010/11 season he joined Alfreton Town on loan but only lasted 3 games before returning to Manfield.

Back at Mansfield Naylor finally grabbed a starting position and his talent and potential began to excite not just his own club but also scouts at many others.

Various clubs were linked with Tom including Leeds, Hull and Preston. A League one side (believed to be Charlton) also made a bid that was rejected by Town. Then shortly afterwards Fulham made enquiries as to his availability which resulted in a one week trial but no contract.

It turned out that the Rams beat out all the circling parties after trialling Naylor in the reserves and soon afterwards signed him on loan with a view to a permanent deal in January.

Tom played his first official game as a Rams player in the 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday yesterday afternoon and could go straight into the squad for the visit of Hull City to Pride Park on Saturday.

With so many chasing the boy you cannot help but think Naylor must genuinely have something to offer to have become a sought after commodity.

It is great the Rams were able to swoop in and win his signature and what would be greater still will be for him to flourish and deliver on that potential in a Derby shirt!

On behalf of RamZone and I am sure all DCFC fans wish Tom success in a Rams shirt!