Derby County have signed veteran striker David McGoldrick on a free transfer following his release from Sheffield United. What can the 34 year old bring to The Rams? We spoke with Nick at Sheff United Way to find out!
Derby County have just signed David McGoldrick. Are you surprised that McGoldrick would be looking to sign for a League One club despite reportedly having offers from Championship clubs?
I'm very surprised that he hasn’t been snapped up by a Championship club based on his performances over the last four seasons at Sheffield United.
He only played only 21 times for The Blades last season, how did he perform?
Last season was tough for Didzy, as he started the season playing out wide and out of position in a 4-3-3. He fell out of favour with former manager Slavisa Jokanovic due to this, but occasionally came on and showed us flashes of brilliance. When Paul Heckingbottom replaced Slav, he gave him more game time and he regained some of his form that he had shown in previous seasons but right when he was playing his best football of the season, he hobbled off and we never saw him again.
How would you sum up his time at Bramall Lane?
He was one of the best technical footballers I’ve ever seen wear a Blades shirt. His first season, he scooped player of the year and United were promoted. Our second year in the Premier League despite his poor form in front of goal, he was the glue that held the team together and he played out of his skin week in week out. His third season he finished top goal scorer in a poor Blades side. Three fantastic seasons made McGoldrick a Blades legend.
From the outside looking in, McGoldrick’s always seemed to do well for The Blades. How come Sheffield United released him?
I was shocked that we didn’t offer him another contract or a pay as you play but being 34 and after surgery on his thigh, I suppose we weren’t sure how he would return. We also have a lot of very talented young players coming through, so we are looking to the future.
Would you call his time at Sheffield United a success?
Didzys time at Bramall Lane was a huge success for me. Promotion, finishing 9th in the Premier League and winning POTY is a great feather in his cap.
He’s a striker. What type of striker is he? Is he a hold up player? Does he run into
the channels?
He is a striker however he drops deep to link the play between the midfield and attack. His hold up play is really good too and he will run his socks off despite his age. But he has been criticised for his lack of goals and poor composure, missing some really easy chances as times but when he’s on form, everything hits the back of the net.
Derby struggled in front of goal last season. Is he someone who relies on service for goals or can he create chances on his own?
He isn’t an out and out goal scorer, so don’t expect him to bang goals in for fun but what he does offer to the attack is invaluable. He’s a really special player and makes players around him better.
What are his strengths? His weaknesses?
Strengths: work rate, dedication, vision, movement, passing and dribbling. He has a brilliant footballing brain!
Weaknesses: composure in front of goal and when he has a bad game, ‘he's had a bad game’!
Do you think McGoldrick can be good player in League One for Derby?
Depending on how serious his injury is and if he can stay injury free, David McGoldrick has the ability to be the best player in League One. I’ll be very excited to see how he does and I will be keeping an eye on Derby’s scores next season.
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