NEW SIGNING INTERVIEW: Batth ready to push forward and build with Rams

Defender Danny Batth lauded joining an 'exciting project' at Derby County after signing a one-year deal in the East Midlands.

The centre-back joins the Rams with 547 professional appearances and 29 goals to his name across the Championship and League One during a successful career to date.

Batth will bring strong leadership credentials into the Rams' squad, having captained Wolverhampton Wanderers as he featured 212 times for the West Midlands outfit, who rose from League One to earning promotion to the Premier League in 2018.

A loan move to Middlesbrough in the 2018/19 campaign saw Batth continue his form in the second tier, and a permanent move to Stoke City was next, where he racked up over 100 appearances in the Potteries.

Time with Sunderland, where he won another promotion from League One, and Norwich City followed before the 34-year-old landed at Blackburn Rovers in 2024/25 where he played under John Eustace last season before the Head Coach joined up with the Rams.

Batth caught up with RamsTV after completing the move to Derby to reunite with his former coach.

On signing for Derby County…

When I got the call, I was excited [by the opportunity] and I'm glad to be here now and ready to get down to work.

I just think it was a great opportunity for me to come and help the team and the club. I've played against Derby over the years. I know what an occasion it is when you play at the stadium and the support the club gets. I just wanted to be part of that. It's a real project, and I think the foundations were set last year. The club is now looking to move forward, so I want to be a big part of that.

On the playing under John Eustace again…

We've got a good relationship. We speak about football and get on well generally, and I like the way the manager works with his team. I know what I'm getting into coming here, and I'm sure we'll be pushing forward with the team this season. To be a part of that is a great privilege.

It's just a case of improving on last season. I don't think any group of fans, or any club, likes to be down the bottom of the league. Building on last year and obviously playing as much as I can and competing for a place every day in training, both of those things [are my goals].

On having longevity and experience in the Championship…

I believe I’ve shown that determination and dedication and been committed throughout my career to maximising what I've got and playing as long as I can. I feel that's starting to show now. I'm still in really good condition and I'm hoping to have another strong season this year.

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