3/1 To Win
Derby County is delighted to confirm that Joe Ledley has put pen to paper on a new contract with the club.
The 30-year-old Wales international has signed a fresh 18-month deal that also has the option of a further one-year extension.
The midfielder has proven to be an integral figure for the Rams since signing on a free transfer in September, with Gary Rowett’s side only tasting defeat once in the ten games he has started so far – winning six and drawing the other three.
Ledley scored on his debut in a 1-1 draw at Brentford and has formed a solid partnership with Tom Huddlestone in the middle of the park.
Speaking about the midfielder, a delighted Gary Rowett told RamsTV: “We have managed to come to a conclusion on this and it’s really, really good news for us because this was a priority.
“When Joe came in, he took a real gamble on us. I know some people will have looked at it another way, but he had come to us, having been in the Premier League on a short-term deal and at that point we said that if he came in and did well then he would be rewarded with a longer contract.
“He’s a terrific player and he’s done fantastically well for us. We’re really pleased with how he has fit in.
“There was always going to be others interested and there was – from both Premier League and Championship clubs – but we have managed to get a deal done and get it over the line.
“He’s going to be part of what we are doing for a lot longer now.
He added: “On top of that, he sees Derby County as a great place to be at. He’s enjoyed it, he’s fit in really well with the players and when someone comes in and makes the impact like he has then you’re going to attract attention.
“It’s taken a bit of time to do, but we’re really pleased that we have managed to conclude it.”
Speaking about signing his new deal with the club, Ledley added: “The club have been brilliant with me since I came through the door and they have welcomed me with open arms.
“It is a club that is going forwards and has got potential so hopefully we can make the Premier League, because that is where we all want to be. I’m looking forward to the future.”
