Derby County reaction given to new Danny Batth twist - we won't 'lose sleep' | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County fan pundit has given his verdict on Danny Batth's exit from the club

Derby County are preparing for their third season back in the Championship after earning League One promotion in 2024.

The Rams climbed the second division table over the last 12 months, rising from 19th to eighth under John Eustace.

The club narrowly missed out on a play-off place by just four points, with a final day defeat to Sheffield United ending their hopes of fighting for promotion.

Derby haven’t competed in the top flight since 2008, but will have their sights set on a play-off push again next season, particularly with the competition expanding to include two more teams from 2027.

It could be a busy summer at Pride Park, with their first signing already confirmed in Bobby Clark, arriving on a permanent basis after spending the last year in the team on loan.

But it has been reported that Danny Batth is set to exit the club after rejecting a contract offer from the Championship side.

Danny Batth loss isn’t a huge deal for Derby County

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When asked about Batth’s exit from the club, FLW’s Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward claimed that nobody will be losing too much sleep over this move, even if he did prove a solid addition to the side last year.

He tipped the 35-year-old to take a step down to League One or League Two next in order to get some regular minutes as he enters the final stages of his playing career.

“No it’s not really a blow to Derby,” Woodward told Football League World.

“I like Danny Batth, he’s a solid pro, he’s always put a shift in when he’s played for us, he’s always given his all for the club.

“But it’s not someone that I think a lot of Derby fans are going to lose a lot of sleep over losing.

“There’s plenty of younger players out there that we could get in, so I don’t think it’s the end of the world if he is going to leave.

“I say he’s always been a good backup option, and I’d say he’s been quite happy to be maybe fourth choice centre-half, so to speak, and come in when he’s needed.

“But, it’s not like we’re losing one of our starting XI, or first subs.

“So, no, if he doesn’t feel the deal is good enough for him, and Derby felt like it was a fair deal, then it’s probably best for both parties that he moves on given his age.

“And he’s probably going to drop down a league or two and get a few minutes before he retires, so all the best to him.”

Batth made the switch from Blackburn to Derby last summer, following Eustace at the first opportunity after he took over at Pride Park in February 2026.

The pair worked together at Ewood Park, but the 35-year-old only made 10 appearances in the Championship for the Rams.

The defender was hampered by injury issues, and started on just seven occasions as Derby finished eighth in the table.

It’s been claimed that the club made an offer to extend Batth’s stay, but that he turned it down due to it not being fair enough value.

The experienced centre-back will now be a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the month, and it remains to be seen what the next step will be in his career.

Batth has previously played for the likes of Blackburn, Sunderland, Norwich City, Stoke City, Middlesbrough, Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday.

A step down to League One could guarantee him more consistent game time, provided he can remain fit, which could open the door to a possible move back to Hillsborough following their relegation from the Championship.

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Danny Batth departure won’t be a huge loss for Derby

Batth was a great person to have around the dressing room given his vast experience in the Championship, and the fact he knew Eustace from their time at Blackburn.

But the Rams didn’t need more than one year from him, as it’s clear that his impact on the pitch has declined with age.

If Batth wasn’t willing to sign a new deal on the terms offered, then it’s a sensible step for all parties for him to move on.

He can still provide something significant for his next club, especially if that comes at a League One level, but he won’t be missed too badly for Derby either.