Martyn Waghorn pens ‘incredible’ message to Derby County fans after exit confirmed

The striker netted 26 goals in the Championship with the Rams, with his final day penalty saving them from relegation in the 2020/21 season.

He was then released and went onto join Coventry City, before returning to Pride Park last summer.

Waghorn’s game-time was more limited this time round, but he didn’t manage to score seven goals to help send the Rams back to the second tier.

However, his rise has resulted in his departure, with the 34-year-old joining Dwight Gayle, Conor Hourihane, Scott Loach, Korey Smith, and Joe Wildsmith from the club. Waghorn has resorted to social media to address his followers. Martyn Waghorn says response has been ‘amazing’.
He wrote: “From the minute I left, I knew I wanted to return. When the chance presented itself, it was an obvious choice.

“The primary goal was to bring the club back to the championship. I’m glad the club is in a better condition and headed in the right direction; personally, I wish I could have contributed more, but promotion was the main goal.

“Thank you, fans. Your support for me and my family has always been great, and I wish all of the lads nothing but success in the future. What a crowd. I loved every minute of it, @dcfcofficial. Thank you.” Waghorn and Gayle will depart the club this summer, while James Collins is in talks about a new contract. Tyreece John-Jules’ departure will leave them incredibly thin in the attacking department, despite the fact that he was already injured for the majority of the season.

Where Derby County Needs to Focus on the Transfer Market

Derby’s top priority should be to sign a new striker with Championship experience, since they cannot rely on Collins to duplicate his League One success as he approaches his 34th birthday.

The Rams had already been connected with Alfie May of Charlton Athletic, but considering his lack of Championship experience, this could be a risk.

Paul Warne’s team must be much more cautious in their transfer window preparation now that they have been promoted, because it will not be difficult for them to drop back down.