Derby County academy graduate Max Bird is set to join Bristol City this summer, opening the door for another promising youngster to make his mark.
Bird concluded his successful stint with Derby County on a high note, scoring a memorable goal in the 2-0 victory against Carlisle United, which secured the Rams’ promotion to the Championship. Despite being loaned back to Pride Park in January after signing for Bristol City, the 23-year-old, who has been with the club since he was ten, will bid farewell this summer.
His remarkable journey from the academy to becoming a key player, amassing over 200 appearances since his debut in September 2017, serves as an inspiration for current stars like Louie Sibley, Eiran Cashin, and Liam Thompson.
Now, midfielder Darren Robinson is aiming to replicate Bird’s success and make his mark at Derby County.
Robinson made his entry into Derby as a first-year scholar at the onset of the 2021/22 season. Prior to joining the Rams, he gained experience at Dungannon Swifts, debuting in senior football at just 16 years old. His talent quickly earned recognition in Derbyshire, leading to his first professional contract during the 2022/23 season.
At 19 years old, Robinson has already amassed four senior appearances, with his Championship debut coming against Bristol City in April 2022 under Rooney’s guidance. In the current season, he has featured 12 times in the Premier League 2 and even captained his team against formidable Category 1 academies like Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite interest from clubs like Aston Villa and Southampton during the January transfer window, no concrete offers materialized. Robinson’s versatility allows him to excel in various positions such as centre-back, central midfield, and right midfielder, although his primary role is in defensive midfield. While his contract with Derby expires this summer, the club should have no hesitation in renewing it given his potential and contributions.
Darren Robinson can become Max Bird’s heir
Robinson is among the 12 players whose contracts are set to expire this summer, but there are reports that Derby County is in advanced discussions to extend his deal. As a two-time Scholar of the Season recipient, he has garnered significant praise, with the former head of youth at Dungannon describing him as “excellent.”
With his skillset as a talented defensive midfielder capable of driving forward, orchestrating midfield play, and engaging in robust challenges, Robinson has the potential to emulate the success of players like Bird at Derby.
Retaining players of Robinson’s caliber would align with Warne’s philosophy of giving young talents opportunities. Warne has also spoken highly of other academy prospects like Dajaune Brown and Cruz Allen.
While playing time in the Championship might be limited for these promising players, Brown’s successful loan spell away from the club has demonstrated the value of such experiences in player development. Therefore, loaning out Robinson to a lower-league club next season could be a viable option for Derby to nurture his growth and see him thrive.
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