When Craig Forsyth committed his future to Derby County with a new two‑year deal on June 23, it wasn’t merely a contract extension—it was a statement of faith. Manager John Eustace, himself a former Rams teammate, delivered a bold and heartfelt endorsement that resonated throughout Pride Park.
“He has led by example, he is Derby through and through and he is someone I want to keep at the club for sure, next season,” Eustace declared at the season-ending press conference following the draw with Stoke City . In those few words, Eustace distilled Forsyth’s extraordinary value—not just as a reliable performer, but as a cultural cornerstone.
At 36, Forsyth stands as Derby’s longest-serving player. Since his initial loan from Watford in March 2013, he’s racked up nearly 400 appearances—382 to date—operating as a left-back, center-half, and wing-back in service to the Rams . Over the 2024–25 campaign alone, he made a remarkable 42 appearances, contributing three goals and four assists—a testament to his enduring quality.
What makes Eustace’s message so striking is not just the praise, but the unapologetic clarity of it. Amid whispers questioning the wisdom of a two-year deal for a player approaching 38, Eustace got straight to the point: “He is Derby through and through”—meaning experience, leadership, and resilience outweigh any age-related concerns.
Eustace’s connection to Forsyth runs deep. During his tenure as a player, Forsyth was Eustace’s left-sided defensive partner. Now, as a young manager navigating a grueling relegation battle, Eustace needed the stability Forsyth provides. “It’s easy to write players off because of their age,” he said, “but when you’re used to having someone around, you take them for granted.” That acknowledgment underpins the manager’s decision: keep the steadying presence that has become central to team unity.
Forsyth’s career has been defined by tenacity—overcoming three serious knee injuries, enduring administration and relegation, and continually reinventing himself on the field . His ability to bounce back repeatedly, combined with a footballing intelligence that belies his years, makes him a rare commodity.
By offering Forsyth a deal through 2027 and signaling his desire to include him in the coaching education pathway, Eustace has done more than retain a player. He’s charted a pathway for a club icon to shape Derby’s future—on and off the pitch.
