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Everybody Needs Good Naylors - Steve Signs Cover For Forsyth
Friday, 28th Feb 2014 08:14 by Daniel J Sewart

The Rams have made a move to ensure cover for Rams left back Craig Forsyth, with the club signing former Wolves and Celtic defender Lee Naylor until seasons end.

In welcoming Naylor to the club, Steve McClaren has stated that the intention is to have an experienced back up on the books for Forsyth. I would assume also that the intention is to create competition for the Left Back position, especially with the current incumbent prone to inexplicable brain explosions from time to time.

Speaking to the official site McClaren was glad to add some more depth to his squad:

"Lee is an experienced player and we're pleased to have him on board for the rest of the season."

Short but sweet Mr. McClaren!

At 33 years of age, it has been widely reported in recent weeks that Naylor was training with the Rams over the last month, which included a matches for the Under 21’s against Sheffield Wednesday and Crewe Alexandra.

Many may think he is a player on the way down but after the transformation of John Eustace under Steve McClaren, it may be premature to write off a player who was an integral part of successful defences at both Wolves & Celtic, despite it being some time ago.

Having already racked up 527 matches in his career, Naylor started out as a youth player at Wolves where he eventually broke the 300 game mark as a first team player, which included their promotion to the top flight in the 2002 / 03 season.

In 2006 he joined Celtic for in a transfer believed to be worth over half a million pounds and became part of a Hoops team that won the SPL title in 06/07 and 07/08 and played regular Champions League football. In 2007 his consistent form at the back, led to him being nominated for the SPFA player of the year.

When his contract expired after 142 appearances for Celtic, he joined Cardiff City where he struggled to hold down a regular place, only playing 37 games between 2010 and 2012.

Naylor now joins the Rams as a free-agent following an unsuccessful trial with Birmingham and a short stint with Accrington Stanley in League 2, during which time he made 14 appearances before having his contract cancelled by mutual consent.

After a few years in the wilderness, if he is called upon, it would be great to see Naylor replicate some of the form that made him a formidable defender for many years.

Steve McClaren has uncovered some diamonds since arriving at The Rams and as I mentioned before, considering the revival of Eustace, I will not be quick to write off any player our head coach decides is good enough for his squad.

If Naylor gets the chance to strut his stuff, we will all be hoping he still has what it takes to do himself and The Rams proud.

Welcome to Derby Lee, good luck for the rest of the season!

Oh and sorry about the corny title of this article…. I was worried if Lee never has a good game for the Rams — I may never have got a chance to use it!


Video - A YouTube tribute to Lee Naylor





Photo: Action Images



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