Many hailed him as ‘Virgil van Mike’ before he had even kicked a ball for Derby County, but unfortunately Mike te Wierik was never able to make an impact during his short stay in the East Midlands.
Signed by Phillip Cocu on a pre-contract agreement, Te Wierik officially joined up with the Rams from FC Groningen in July of 2020, but would only go on to make six appearances in his six month spell with the club.
The Dutchman’s most memorable moment in Derby colours was perhaps his red card against Preston North End in the EFL Cup. His side were 1-0 up before his sending off, however, went on to lose the tie 2-1.
In January, Te Wierik returned to Groningen in a fee thought to have only replicated the amount of wage Derby had paid out to him during his spell at the club.
Speaking to Voetball International, te Wierik opened up on his time with the Rams.
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“I just got screwed” claimed the defender. “Choices were made, but what they were based on, I wonder.
“There were people who said to me sit down and get your money. That money was indeed good, but that’s not how I am.”
He added: “After having hardly played for almost a year – first because of corona and later because of that hassle at Derby – I feel that I am now getting back into the right rhythm.
“My English dream has failed, I got a bit of it. It was something I was really looking forward to, but because of those unpleasant times, I am now especially happy that I am playing again, where that happens is of less importance at the moment.”
Now back in the Eredevisie, Te Wierik has made five appearances for the Green-White army and looks to have put his Derby blip behind him.