NIGEL Clough has praised the professional attitude of the group of players who have been made available for transfer by Derby County.
And the Rams manager points to defender James O’Connor as the perfect example of that attitude.
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James O’Connor
Seven players were told at the end of last season that they could find another club.
One of them, goalkeeper Frank Fielding, has since signed for Bristol City.
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The other six are O’Connor, Nathan Tyson, Theo Robinson, James Bailey, Adam Legzdins and Tom Naylor.
All are under contract.
Their futures look to lie away from Derby but they are working hard in pre-season with the rest of the squad.
“If they are with us, fine,” said Clough. “If they are not with us and at another club, they might as well go to another club fit and ready to start the season.
“They all realise they have got to get a good pre-season under their belt whichever club they are playing for.”
Asked if any of the group are making a big push to force their way back into Clough’s plans, the manager replied: “Everybody is. They have all come back in good shape.
“Jimmy O’Connor is an example of that.
“He knew at the end of last season he wasn’t at his best, he knew he had a rough end to the season and he has come back in brilliant shape.
“He is that sort of experienced professional.
“He has looked after himself during the summer and is at the front of most of the running.
“Jimmy, if he is still with us, proved last season he can do a job at centre half, if called on.”
There has been “a bit of interest” from other clubs in the six players, but nothing firm.
“We will be working hard to try and get some of the lads fixed up,” said Clough.
“I do not think we will struggle to move players on because they are good players and good characters.”
Four of the six – Tyson, Robinson, Bailey and Naylor – went out on loan last season.
Tyson spent the second half of the campaign at Millwall and Robinson had three months with Huddersfield Town.
Their last starts for Derby came in the draw at Charlton Athletic on December 29.
Bailey was at Coventry City all season and Naylor had stints at Bradford City and Grimsby Town.