Rams Trump Foxes, Tigers & Seagulls To Land Midfielder!
Thursday, 9th Jun 2011 14:57 by Daniel J Sewart

Nigel Clough has beaten off stiff opposition and secured the first of his fresh signings for 11/12 by securing Scottish international midfielder and Kilmarnock Captain Craig Bryson on a 3 year deal.

The fee was announced by the club as ‘undisclosed’ but has been widely reported in the media as £350,000 rising to £450,000 with appearances.

There was much interest from other Championship clubs for Bryson who has been in stellar form for his SPL club. Brighton & Hove Albion, Leicester and Hull had all been linked in a move for the player but it was the Rams who triumphed when pen was put to paper.

Bryson is no stranger to Pride Park after trialling with the club when Billy Davies was manager in 2007 but at that time was not able to secure a contract. He returns to the club 4 years later with much more skill, experience as well as developed leadership qualities.

Speaking to the media the 24 year old was delighted to be moving to England and in particular Derby:

"When I came down on trial four years ago, Billy Davies didn't feel I was quite ready – and he was right, to be fair. I think I got the trial on the back of one game – when I scored in a famous cup win against Celtic, which was shown live on Sky – but I didn't have much experience at the time.”

"I eventually went to Kilmarnock, where I played a lot of games and ended up as captain. So I feel I am coming to Derby this time as a much more experienced, mature player. I wasn't ready then but I am now.”

"I have always thought about coming back and I told my parents that if I ever got the opportunity to go back, I would jump at the chance.”

"There were a couple of other Championship teams interested but as soon as I found out Derby wanted me, my mind was made up. It's a brilliant opportunity for me and I can't wait to get started. Derby is a huge club with big ambitions, so it was an easy decision to make."

"Even more important though is the ambition the Club has now, and that is the reason I've chosen to come here. I'm ambitious and I want to play at the highest level; everything I've heard and seen tells me this place is geared up for success.”

"The Gaffer made me feel wanted, but to be honest this wasn't a difficult decision to make; as soon as I knew Derby were interested I wanted to sign. There are some really good players here already and hopefully I can play my part in making us better and getting us towards the top end of the table."

"I can't wait for the season to start to be honest; I'm excited to get out there and start playing. I know I'm going to need to be at my best week in week out to hold down a place in the team at a Club like this, but that's a personal challenge I'm looking forward to."

"I would describe myself as a box-to-box central midfielder, who will always give 100% for the team," said Bryson, who has one senior Scotland cap to his name. "Even if I'm not having the best of games, I will always give absolutely everything, which is all the fans ask for, I think.”

"If you don't do that, you are cheating yourself, the manager and the supporters.”

Nigel Clough was as happy as his new midfielder when speaking about the signing to the official site:

"Craig is someone we have watched a lot and we are extremely impressed with him, he has energy and ability, and at the age of 24 is just about to hit the prime of his career.”

"Craig was Kilmarnock's captain and having seen him on the pitch and met him off it, you can see why. He possesses excellent leadership qualities and is the type of person you want in your dressing room.”

"He's an extremely ambitious young man and is completely dedicated to his football. He also shown great passion to come and play for Derby County and we are looking for that in all our signings; someone who wants to perform well for this Club and is an honest professional."

"Craig is someone we see as improving us immediately, but also fits the category of being a big player in our future. He will only get better as he continues to develop and improve and we hope to benefit from that progression."

Listening to the player and the gaffer a fan cannot help but look forward to seeing what Bryson can bring to the table in a Rams shirt.

Many will ask if the step up from the SPL can be made by the former Kilmarnock skipper but until the first ball is kicked in anger it can only be speculation.

You don’t become a club Captain without ability and leadership and you also cannot play in the midfield at a high level without a big engine and desire.

The proof – as they say – will be in the pudding. Until then, the pud will be baked in training as the Rams squad for the coming season is mixed and prepared.

We welcome Craig to the club and all Rams fans hope he can bring the enthusiasm and skill that landed him the captaincy of Killie to Derbyshire as well.

RamZone will present a full player profile on the clubs newest midfielder over the weekend and continue to cover all the ins and outs in the lead up to the 11/12 season.