Derby sign centre-back Batth from Blackburn

Derby County have signed Blackburn Rovers centre-back Danny Batth on a one-year deal following the end of his contract at Ewood Park.

The former Wolves, Stoke City, Sunderland and Norwich defender, 34, is the Rams’ second signing of the summer following the arrival of Luton Town striker Carlton Morris.

Batth spent a decade at Molineux and was part of the side that won the League One title in 2013-14 to regain their place in the Championship following relegation the previous season.

He also had loans with Colchester, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough before a permanent switch to the Potters in January 2019.

Three years later he moved to the Black Cats and helped them win promotion to the second tier with victory in the League One play-off final in May 2022.

Batth spent 2023-24 with Norwich before joining Blackburn ahead of last season.

Danny Batth on Blackburn Rovers exit and Derby County move

Danny Batth has opened up about his decision to join Derby County and how his “good relationship” with John Eustace played a part.

Batth has put pen to paper over a one-year deal at Pride Park following the expiry of his Rovers contract.

The experienced defender made 41 appearances at Ewood Park last season after arriving on a free transfer from Norwich.

“Delighted, obviously when I got the call I was really excited by it. I am glad to be here now and get down to work,” he told Derby’s official site.

“I just think it was a great opportunity for me to come and help the team, help the club. I have 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 is a real project and I think the foundations were set last year. Obviously, the club is looking to move forward so I want to be a big part of that.”

Eustace brought Batth to Lancashire last summer and the centre-back is looking forward to working under him again at Derby.

“We have got a good relationship,” he continued. “We speak about football and get on well generally.

“I like the way the manager works with his team and obviously I know what I am getting into coming here.

READ MORE: Danny Batth completes Derby switch after expiry of Rovers contract

“I am sure he will be really pushing forward with the team this season and to be a part of that is a great privilege.

“I think it is 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 so building on that, and obviously playing as much as I can and competing for a place every day in training.

“Both of those things I have done all my career so I will be looking forward to doing that again this season.”

Batth joined Rovers at the start of August last year and is relishing the prospect of a full pre-season this time around.

“The focus now is on just getting to full fitness in pre-season and going through that,” he insisted. “I didn’t have that last season, I had to do pre-season away from a club.

“Coming back in early now, plenty of time to build, get ready for the season and build through the friendlies.

“Personally, it is about getting really fit now and just be ready to compete every day for a space. If I get an opportunity, when that comes, to do really well.”