Latest news with #MendezLaing
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Rams bid farewell to a 'crucial cog'
The departure of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to MK Dons this week isn't necessarily news that comes as a shock to Rams fans, particularly with former Derby boss Paul Warne now at the helm, but it remains a hard goodbye racked up over 140 appearances in black and white, scoring 21 goals, and was a crucial cog in Derby's promotion from League One to the Championship, and again in the fight for Championship survival at the back end of the most notable moments in a Derby shirt came against Cambridge United away in April 2024, Portsmouth at Pride Park in December 2024, and, of course, against West Brom at The Hawthorns in April where Mendez-Laing wrapped up a vital three points in Derby's relegation is no denying Mendez-Laing has more than done his job for the club, with the Rams likely to not be where they are now without him. The Guatemalan departs with a lot of great memories, and a huge amount of respect from Rams fans who wish him nothing but the best in the forward, I imagine we will have to say a few more tough goodbyes as John Eustace begins a rebuild of his playing staff. However, with outgoings there will always be incomings too, and I'm excited to see what sort of targets Eustace is able to secure himself over the next few weeks and months as he kicks off a new era of Derby County.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
MK Dons sign Derby winger Mendez-Laing
MK Dons have signed winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing from Derby County on a permanent 33-year-old will reunite with his former Rams boss Paul Warne at Stadium MK after three seasons with arrived at Pride Park from Sheffield Wednesday in July 2022 and helped the Rams win promotion to the Championship two seasons Guatemala international played 41 times this term as Derby, under John Eustace for the last 14 games of the season following Warne's sacking, and helped the club avoid relegation back to League One with a final-day draw against Stoke length of Mendez-Laing's deal has not been disclosed. Warne, 51, was named as Scott Lindsey's replacement as head coach in was unbeaten in his four games at the end of the season as the club finished 19th in League Two, 10 points above the relegation zone."I'm buzzing, happy to finally get this deal done It's a project that I'm really excited about, and I can't wait to get going," Mendez-Laing said., external"I've always kept in touch with the gaffer, he's someone I highly respect. "When the conversation happened, there was instant interest from my side. He's a great and honest man."Mendez-Laing made 145 appearances during his time with Derby and scored 21 goals.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
The 'best kid on the playground' departs
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was a key part of Derby County's return from 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 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 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 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.
