Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to comment on reports of a potential new contract for Craig Bryson.
According to the Derby Telegraph, The Rams are in talks with the 32-year-old over a new deal. Bryson’s current contract expires in the summer and many expected the midfielder to depart the club.
But with so many other players set to leave this summer at the end of their contracts, Bryson could be offered a chance to remain at Pride Park if only to add more squad depth in the coming season.
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Reacting on Twitter, Derby fans seem somewhat divided. Many are appreciative of everything Bryson has offered the club, but the midfielder is now past his best at Championship level.
We need to be letting a lot of our players move on. Those from current squads from the last 4-6 seasons have given all they can give to the club. Bryson has been a fantastic servant and just shows the gems you can pick up from Scottish football but we need to move forward.
— Rammie Stein (@Rammiestein) May 8, 2019
Unpopular opinion. Don’t want us to give Bryson a contact. He’s totally ineffective in games, just runs around without a purpose.Hasnt got the legs to arrive in the box anymore. Very injury prone now. Great servant but time to move on IMO, esp with Shinnie signing. Thoughts #dcfc
— Will Halford (@dcfcwilliam) May 8, 2019
I trust Lampard’s judgement on Bryson, if he thinks it’s worth offering him a deal then that’s good enough for me #dcfc
— James (@JamesWaIker) May 8, 2019
I love Craig Bryson as much as the next sheep – but I’m not convinced that this potential new contract is the right decision, sorry. #dcfc #dcfcfans
— Cameron Storer (@Cam_Storer) May 8, 2019
Keep Bryson as a fitness coach… let him do his badges and then give him a role as a coach/youth manager…
What he does in pre season and his work ethic throughout is worth bottling up and feeding to the club for years to come…
— Mick Massey DCFC (@topklobber) May 8, 2019
Craig Bryson has been a key figure for Derby County:
Bryson has been at Derby for eight years following his 2011 move from Kilmarnock. During that time, the Scotland international has made over 270 appearances in all competitions.
The midfielder’s best individual campaign came in 2013/14 where he posted 16 goals and 13 assists. His hat-trick in the 5-0 thrashing of rivals Nottingham Forest that season will live long in the memory.
These days, Bryson isn’t deemed a regular for Frank Lampard’s side despite making over 30 appearances this season. His last game came in the 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers where he was taken off with injury.
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Bryson may still have a role to play for next season. However, much may depend on what division the Rams are playing in next term with promotion to the Premier League still a possibility.
Derby have booked a two-legged playoff date with Leeds United, while fellow Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa contest the other semi-final.
Also see: Derby County reportedly among several clubs tracking Coventry City’s Jordan Willis.
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