Central midfielder signs after successful trial...
Experienced midfielder John Eustace has today become Derby County’s fifth summer signing.The 33-year-old central midfielder has signed a one-year contract with the Rams, effective from 1st August 2013, after impressing during a pre-season trial with Nigel Clough’s side.
Solihull-born Eustace was a free agent this summer after leaving fellow Championship side Watford at the end of last season, and he linked up with Derby for the start of pre-season training last month with a view to becoming a permanent member of the squad.
His arrival will commence a second spell at Pride Park after he made nine appearances during a loan period towards the end of the 2008/09 season, shortly after Clough’s appointment as manager.
Manager Nigel Clough commented: “We’re very happy to sign John and it’s no secret we’ve tried to bring him here permanently on a few occasions in the past.
“He’s got good experience and he’s a type of player we haven’t had in the squad for a while, so he’ll be vital both on and off the pitch.
“He’ll be very good for our midfielders as well, he’s got bags of experience and that’ll only help them improve as players too.”
A trainee at Coventry City, Eustace made 98 appearances for the Sky Blues between 1998 and 2003 in the Premier League and First Division.
He had loan spells at Dundee United in Scotland and Middlesbrough before moving to Stoke City in 2003 and he made 84 appearances for the Potters during four and a half seasons in the Potteries, as well as heading to Hereford United for a brief loan stint in 2006.
Eustace joined Watford on the final day of the January transfer window in 2008 for a fee of £250,000 and went on to make 168 appearances for the Hornets, as he established himself as one of the most consistent defensive midfielders in the Championship.
During his time at Vicarage Road he did enjoy a brief spell with the Rams, making nine appearances before returning south to sign a new contract, and later, wear the captain’s armband.
Watch the full interview with John Eustace exclusively on Rams Player.
