Derby County’s pursuit of promotion back to the Championship could be greatly enhanced if they were to take advantage of Plymouth Argyle’s relegation struggles, particularly by signing Ryan Hardie, the 12-goal forward who has been one of the standout performers for the Pilgrims in League One this season.
Hardie has enjoyed a stellar season at Plymouth, showcasing his ability to score consistently in a struggling team. Despite the team’s downturn in form and relegation from the Championship, Hardie’s personal goal tally speaks volumes about his quality and adaptability. With 12 goals this campaign, he has proven himself to be a reliable source of goals, something that Derby County, with their playoff aspirations, could use to bolster their attacking options.
Derby, under the leadership of head coach John Eustace, have been solid in defence but have lacked a consistent goal scorer to truly challenge for the top spot in League One. Despite having players like James Collins and David McGoldrick, the Rams have been inconsistent in front of goal, and adding a proven goal scorer like Hardie could make all the difference in their quest for promotion. The striker’s pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing ability would complement Derby’s style of play and give them the cutting edge they need.
Hardie’s experience in League One and his proven ability to deliver in high-pressure situations make him an attractive option for Derby County. Plymouth’s relegation could be the perfect opportunity for Derby to swoop in and secure his services for a reasonable fee. With Hardie’s contract situation likely to change as Plymouth faces the reality of life in League Two, Derby would do well to act quickly and make their move.
Moreover, bringing in Hardie would give Derby a dynamic attacking option alongside the likes of McGoldrick, providing more depth to their forward line. The combination of Hardie’s youthful energy and Derby’s established attacking players could be the catalyst for a successful promotion push. It would also be a statement signing, one that shows Derby are serious about their ambitions and are ready to strengthen where it matters most.
