As per one of the latest reports by the Derby Telegraph, Derby County’s manager, Gary Rowett, has stated that the negotiations to extend the contract of Joe Ledley are still pretty much active. Prima facie says that Rowett is very keen to extend the stay of the midfielder, owing to the contributions he has made to the club. However, the demands of the player and the financial muscle of the club would be considered before jotting any conclusion.
Ledley was released by Crystal Palace at the end of last season and was snapped up by Derby County for free, as he was a free agent, on a short-term deal. His contract, which confines him to the Pride Park Stadium, expires in January and given the impact he has made in his new club, Rowett is reluctant to lose him anytime soon. He is a player of fine calibre and is a proven commodity with immense experience of playing in the Championship.
Having emerged through the youth ranks of Cardiff City, Ledley was elevated to the senior side of the Bluebirds. His composure, grit and charisma urged Scottish giants, Celtic, to lure him to the Celtic Park and he proved to be a hit there as well.
In the January transfer window of 2014, he made a move to Crystal Palace and it was surprising to see him getting released by the Eagles, who are really struggling with their midfield’s setup after his departure.
The experience of Championship football which the Welsh international has is quite evident, as in 7 appearances in the second division so far this season, he has scored a goal and facilitated one and has made 1.6 tackles, 1.9 interceptions, 1.3 clearances and 0.4 blocks per game on an average. Used as a defensive midfielder, his pass completion rate of 82.2% is quite decent and no wonders why Derby County are looking forward to leaving no stone unturned to keep him in their books.
Derby County are currently placed at the 8th spot in the league table with 26 points to their name after 16 games. If they are desirous of making a strong statement to clinch a promotion to the Promised Land of the Premier League, they would undoubtedly need someone as experienced as Ledley. The 30-year-old has pulled the strings in the middle of the park in a magnificent manner and letting him leave would be a massive blunder from Rowett.
