3/1 To Win
Derby County Academy defender Tristan Gill has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 18-year-old, a left-back who can also operate at centre-back, has been with the Rams since the Under-12s level.
After stepping up to the Under-21s towards the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Gill has been a regular in Premier League 2 so far this season, starting and completing the full 90 minutes in eight out of 10 league games for Jake Buxton’s side.
He has continued to excel for the Under-18s when required, featuring in big wins over Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, as well as the FA Youth Cup Third Round triumph over Sunderland at Pride Park Stadium in December.
Speaking to RamsTV, Gill said: “It’s just a great feeling.
“I’ll just keep pushing for more, every coach here pushes you to be the best.
“It makes you feel good - that you have people around you supporting you like that.”
Academy Manager Matt Hale said: “Tristan has been a consistent starter for our Under-21s throughout this season and shown a real maturity to his game.
“He has rightly been rewarded with an early professional contract following some very strong performances in Premier League 2 and we fully believe in his potential to continue to improve.
“He has a really strong left foot, defends in wide areas very well and can offer a threat going forwards down the left side as well.
“Tristan joined us when he was just 11 years old and we are delighted that another exciting young talent that has been nurtured through our Academy has committed their long term future to the club.”
