UPDATE: Phil Jagielka has signed for Derby County!
Phil Jagielka currently on trial with The Rams and made his preseason debut against Manchester United. The 38 year old was released by Sheffield United following their relegation from the Premier League. We caught up with DEM Blades and Sheff United Way. To find out all about the former England international, his second spell with The Blades and what he can bring to Derby County.
Jagielka made 12 appearances in all competitions for The Blades last season. How did he perform?
DEM Blades: Jags had one standout performance against Manchester United last season in a 2-1 win. That stands out as his best performance in a somewhat muted return. Don't get me wrong, he will always be loved at Sheffield United. But in our system (3-5-2) he looked too slow for the top flight.
Sheff United Way: Despite being 38 Jags had a really decent season last time round, he only made those 12 appearances but in all of them he was back to signs of the old Jags. He's lost a yard of pace but he still reads the game extremely well. Jags started at United in central midfield, then he played right back, centre back and goalkeeper. The man is a machine. Last season we all expected it to be his last. He possibly did too, he gave his all in those matches, a standout would be his man of the match performance in our 2-1 win away at Old Trafford. I'd imagine that will be the last time he plays at that venue. He actually performed better than in our previous Premier League campaign where we finished 9th.
What led to his release at Sheffield United? Was it age related? Finance related? Coaching staff changes? Or a bit of all the aforementioned? How would you sum up his second spell at Bramall Lane?
DEM Blades: The reason for his departure. I think it was as simple as Phil Jagielka not being the future for Sheffield United, and no longer consistently at the level of our other centre backs.
Sheff United Way: His contract just ran out and he wasn't offered a new one. I think we all hoped he'd retire a Blade, going out of a high (in terms of personal performances) and join the coaching staff but he still feels he has something left in the tank. Good luck to him.
How would you sum up his second spell at Bramall Lane?
DEM Blades: It's hard to summarise his second spell. In the first year, he was part of a team that finished 9th in the PL. In the second year, he was part of a team that finished bottom. High highs and low lows.
Sheff United Way: If I was giving it a mark out of 10 he'd get 6. First season back he didn't do much and when he did play he got roasted by pacey strikers. Last season was much better as he seems to have recognised his limitations.
What are his strengths? His weaknesses?
DEM Blades: He's a very experienced centre back at the highest level of the game. So you can expect to get all the benefits that come with that. His weakness is that he is not physically the player he once was.
Sheff United Way: What are his strengths? In the old days it was his long shots! Now it's his positioning. He could still offer something at the back but I wouldn't rely on him week in week out at his age. He's famously good at sleeping but that doesn't mean he isn't a top trainer, he just loves a nap! He's still in top shape.
What are his weaknesses? If he gets turned he's done for, he doesn't have the reaction speed or the actual speed anymore to cover the ground in a foot race.
What is he like in the dressing room?
Sheff United Way: He's always been popular with players and fans. He often ends up as a Manager's favourite, largely due to his attitude. He's all round a positive influence. He can now offer that top level experience too.
Can he still play at Championship level?
DEM Blades: To be honest, I loosely followed Derby last season after Rooney got the top job and I think whether you have Phil Jagielka or not, you're team is pretty doomed with Rooney in charge.
Outside looking in: there's been some poor decisions made at Derby, and whilst I don't think signing Jagielka is one of them, I don't think he's the man to pull you out of the mire. Hopefully there's enough quality there in your team to keep you afloat despite Rooney's obvious lack of managerial talent (or maybe he's transformed into a great manager)
Sheff United Way: I don't want to say no so I'll say....maybe but he isn't the same Jags as even 5 years ago!
What would you expect from him next season in the Championship with Derby County?
Sheff United Way: I'd expect him to be cover unless the Rams are seriously depleted at the back. He'll give everything there just might not be as much left to give. I'd imagine he will work on the training ground a lot helping the young lads coming through, he'll be good at that.
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