The 'best kid on the playground' departs
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was a key part of Derby County's return from administration.
His nine goals and 16 assists in League One as the Rams returned to the Championship were not only his best return in a single campaign but the difference in getting Derby over the line in second.
He leaves Pride Park with his head held high, to join his former head coach Paul Warne at MK Dons.
The pair had a strong relationship during their time working together with Warne making the 33-year-old his captain and the key piece in his side, often describing him as "the best kid on the playground" when describing his ability throughout their promotion together.
As John Eustace looks to mould his squad moving forward, this seems to be a clever bit of business from the club as they make room in the wage department to further strengthen.
Mendez-Laing only started three matches following the arrival of Eustace whilst dealing with an injury as well.
It may not have worked for him in the Championship, but Mendez-Laing more than played his part in a Derby shirt and I'm sure will be remembered fondly.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sunderland make Le Fee move permanent for record fee
Enzo Le Fee (right) has joined Sunderland on a permanent deal from Roma (Alberto PIZZOLI) Sunderland have signed Enzo Le Fee from Roma for a reported club record fee after the French midfielder helped the Black Cats gain promotion back to the Premier League. The 25-year-old arrived at the Stadium of Light on a six-month loan in January and was a key player as Sunderland won the Championship play-offs after finishing fourth in the table. Advertisement Le Fee has penned a four-year deal and will cost a reported £19.3million ($26 million) after a clause in his loan deal was activated once Sunderland sealed promotion. "I said before the play-off final that my heart was in Sunderland - I wanted to stay and this made it the most important game of my life. Together, we did it," Le Fee told the club website. "From the moment I arrived, I have enjoyed my football, my team-mates and our supporters. We shared an incredible experience and now we get to take the next step." Le Fee had previously worked with Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris at Lorient before joining Rennes and a big money move to Roma less than 12 months ago. However, he made just 10 appearances for the Italian giants before being loaned out. kca/bsp
Fox News
7 hours ago
- Fox News
Knicks fire head coach Tom Thibodeau after failing to reach NBA Finals: report
The New York Knicks have fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after the team was unable to make it to the NBA Finals. The Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers for the second straight year in the NBA Playoffs, this time in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games. Thibodeau has been head coach of the Knicks since the 2020-21 season, helping them build into a true championship contender. In his five seasons with the team, Thibodeau has gone 226-174 as well as 24-23 in 47 playoff games. This is a developing story. More to come.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
What are your thoughts on Manning's departure?
So, the rumours have been proven to be correct - Liam Manning has left Bristol City to take over as boss at his hometown club Norwich. What do you make of it all, Robins fans? Disappointed at Manning's decision after he led you to the Championship play-offs? Or are you more understanding of his departure, despite Norwich finishing 13th? Let us know your thoughts here.
