Derby County boss Paul Warne has explained why he let goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith depart the club.
Six players left Derby upon the expiry of their Pride Park contracts but the most shocking decision Paul Warne made was letting Joe Wildsmith leave.
The 28-year-old was an instrumental player in the Rams’ promotion-winning campaign, collecting an impressive 20 clean sheets from his 40 matches and earning the division’s Golden Glove Award.
Wildsmith was even praised as “unbelievable” for some of his performances towards the back end of the campaign as he pulled off some ridiculous saves in the goalless draw against Wycombe Wanderers.
Ultimately, though, with the goalkeeper’s contract expiring this year, Warne had a big decision to make and he felt letting him go was the best for both parties.
Paul Warne explains the decision to release Joe Wildsmith
Speaking live on talkSPORT, the Derby boss has explained why he let Wildsmith depart.
The 51-year-old said: “I have to make decisions on improving the team. He was brilliant throughout. His contract ran out, We spoke about a new one last season and it broke down so we moved on. I want to sign a better No.1 than the ones I’ve got.”
Despite describing his goalkeeping heroics as “brilliant”, Warne revealed how talks over a new deal broke down last year and dropped a hint over his next transfer move.
With Derby perhaps aspiring to become a Championship club at the time, he felt he couldn’t promise Wildsmith he’d be a long-term No.1 and that could be why talks broke down.
Of course, the real reason will never be disclosed but the fact he said he wants to sign a better No.1 suggests he didn’t see the former Wednesday goalkeeper as a long-term asset to the club.
Who Derby County are looking at signing to replace Wildsmith
Links towards a new number one have been sparse since Wildsmith’s departure was announced.
Reports were suggesting Derby wanted to sign Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson but the towering Swede joined Stoke City instead.
Aside from Johansson, there have been no other concrete links to number No.1, although following Marek Rodak’s release from Fulham, perhaps Warne will be tempted into signing his former player on a free transfer.
A new goalkeeper this summer could set the tone for a successful summer of business and with the transfer window not opening till next Friday, there’s plenty of time to get a player through the door.
Warne knows it is the most important position to address as he saw Wildsmith and Scott Loach both depart, leaving just Josh Vickers as his only option.