He wasn’t good enough for Clough or the Championship but Shefki Kuqi is good enough for the Premier League. The Rams have also made a signing of their own as they once again signed a player we already have in Ben Pringle.

Newcastle and Derby fans should get together for a night down the pub as the embarrassment of recent events continue. Selling the best of their squads and then bringing in what both set of supporters would consider below par replacements who most would consider a shadow of those they have lost.

Mind you at least Newcastle got 36 million and Kuqi. All of us Rams would have been happy with that. Even just Kuqi would have been nice!

Pardew Snaps Up Kuqi

Alan Pardew has signed Shefki Kuqi for the Toon on a free after Swansea had released the 34 year old Finnish striker. Pardew is a fan of the strong striker who he says will bring much needed “personality and presence” to his team.

The manager is taking a hammering from fans that see the addition of Kuqi as a bad joke following the sale of Carroll to Liverpool. Shefki has signed with the Toon until May and Pardew was on the defensive when explaining his decision to the media:

“Shefki is a player I know. He’s honest, he’s a gentleman and he’s somebody I don’t think too many players here are going to have complaints about. He’s a big guy who knows how to handle himself. I knew him coming into the dressing room wouldn’t be a problem. Whoever I brought in, he ain’t going to be Andy Carroll.” 

“We pay huge sums of money for Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands, so he’s never going to challenge them unless he rises to the occasion, comes on the pitch and attacks it. I’ve just got a sneaky feeling he might just do that, he’s got that sort of character.”

“I’ve always admired him as a player. I’m not going to go too much into his performances, but he gives an honest performance and he’s a physical presence."

“After losing Shola and with no big Andy then that’s something I felt we needed. It’s a great challenge for him to try to rise to, he’s pointed that out to me. He’s absolutely thrilled to be here and I can understand that but he’s not in awe of it, that’s the difference.”

“I’ve said to him, 'Let’s be honest, there’s probably nothing at the end of the season for you, we just want you to bring your personality and your playing ability to the club to see us through to the end of the season', and he’s absolutely fine with that.”

Kuqi was very pleased with the move and frankly must consider himself the luckiest free agent in England:

“I feel strong and fit – I haven’t missed many games in my career. I will keep going until I stop enjoying it and I stop believing I can help my team when I am on the pitch. I’m really proud to be at Newcastle and it was a move I couldn’t turn down, the manager really wanted me.”

I am sure all Rams fans wish Shefki all the best and hope he can prove the Toon army wrong. For the first time in my life I will be supporting Newcastle but only when Kuqi is on the pitch!

Derby Pop Another Year For Pringle

DCFC have extended the contract of another of their squad for the second consecutive day after 21 year-old Ben Pringle signed a one year deal on Wednesday.

Like Steve Davies the club has also inserted an option for a second year should the player prove his worth to the club.

Nigel Clough was happy with how the reserves Captain had applied himself this campaign:

"Ben has made good progress once again this season. He has stepped up a level since last season and we are looking forward to see him develop even further over the next 18 months."

"He has had to be patient at times but when he has played he certainly hasn’t let anyone down. He is an important player to have in the squad."

To date Ben has started four times for the Rams and appeared as a substitute on a further eleven occasions.

There can be no doubt that Pringle does not give anything less than 100% when on the pitch for the club and if he can iron out some issues in his game could one day push his way into the Rams regular starting line up.

RamZone wishes Ben all the best in a Rams shirt for the rest of this season and beyond!

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls