Derby County confirm double transfer swoop as Paul Warne kicks off …
Derby County have completed a double transfer swoop with moves for versatile Joe Ward and goalkeeper Josh Vickers.
Ward, aged 27, is joining on a three-year contract after leaving Peterborough United, where he has played as a right-sided full-back, wing-back and winger. Vickers, also 27, joins from Rotherham United to compete for the gloves against Joe Wildsmith. He has also signed a three-year deal.
Ward started his career at Chelmsford City and made his way to Peterborough via spells at Brighton and Hove Albion and Woking. He has been a first team regular at London Road over the last five seasons and scored six times in League One last season as they reached the play-off semi-finals.
He has gained a reputation as an assist king, setting up nine goals in 2022/23 and turned down the offer of a new contract at Peterborough, with the Peterborough Telegraph[1] admitting: "It was never likely he would sign it. It had been reported he was being chased by a handful of Championship clubs."
Vickers came through the ranks at Arsenal and spent two years at Swansea before finding game time at Lincoln City in League One. He helped Paul Warne's Rotherham win promotion to the Championship in 2021 but has since had to be patient for action behind star man Viktor Johansson.
The incomings come as Bristol City weigh up a third bid for Derby[4] midfielder Jason Knight.
Two initial bids up to £1.5m have been rejected and while the claim is the deal is “getting closer”, Bristol Live suggest "it is not a given that City launch a fresh attempt".
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References
- ^ the Peterborough Telegraph (www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk)
- ^ Derby County winger flying flag for family as he prepares for surprise international bow (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Derby County 'very close' to securing first summer transfers (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Derby (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)