UPDATED: According to the Derby Telegraph, Richard Stearman has signed for The Rams.
Richard Stearman has been training with The Rams and played in the first preseason match against Manchester United. The 33 year old defender is currently a free agent having been released by Huddersfield this summer. We spoke with Matt from And He Takes That Chance, to find out out the veteran forward and what he could bring to The Rams.
Stearman made 21 appearances in The Championship for Huddersfield last season. How did he perform?
Early last season Stearman was statistically one of our better performers. Using http://Whoscored.com; last October Stearman was one of the top Championship defenders for clearances and blocks which showcased his efficacity at penalty box defending. His level of performance throughout those months also often saw him picked ahead of club legend Christopher Schindler, which is a compliment to the part that he played. However despite his statistical grandness, Stearman did make a few high profile individual errors, and seemed particularly to be in a constant struggle with his new role of expansive passing from the back. These mistakes and lack of comfort tainted the way many fans looked at his overall performance. Mistakes against Norwich and Brentford in the opening two games meant 2nd chances were not always forthcoming by the most unforgiving among us. After Town shipped four to Stoke Stearman found himself out of the starting line-up and then an injury meant we saw little of him from the end of November until February where Richard Keogh was then considered as the preferred option.
On the outside looking in, he seemed to be a pretty steady contributor to The Terriers last season. Why was he released?
We've embarked upon a bit of a drive to push the wage bill down and have released a number of players to make way for some up and coming youngsters. With Naby Sarr under contract and Matty Pearson joining the club, the hierarchy elected to offer Richard Keogh a new deal over Christopher Schindler, Tommy Elphick and Stearman to try guide through the likes of Rarmani Edmonds-Green and Romoney Crichlow. However, Keogh has subsequently turned down a backup/mentor role and left the club.
He was at Huddersfield for the past two seasons. How would you sum up his time at the Kirklees Stadium?
He was fairly solid, a good character and one who's enthusiasm on and off the field helped turn around a club which was under a huge malaise and had felt sorry for itself since relegation from The Premier League. I think Huddersfield fans would always wish him the best and he played good role in the 18 months he was here.
What type of defender is he? Can he only play in the centre of defense?
He's slowed down a little bit and as such when he gets dragged wide it's not always had the greatest consequences. Stearman is a leader, good communicator and will be great role model to any younger players in the squad.
What are his strengths?
Stearman is a good penalty box defender. He'll deal with balls into the box well and will throw himself at anything to keep the ball out of the net. He's a top professional and this should rub off on players around him.
What are his weaknesses?
He's not the quickest anymore so you don't want him venturing too far from the penalty box and asking him to play like vintage Ronald Koeman would probably lead to a couple of errors.
What is he like in the dressing room?
I've not seen it first hand, but I've heard from several sources that he's a brilliant professional and a great character to have in and around the first team and junior squads. He's taken his coaching badges recently so I suspect he'll be trying his best to help those around him and his selflessness and drive should see him do that well.
Can he still play at Championship level?
In the right circumstances, yes. In a more conservative style of play he will offer a lot of verbal qualities in organisation and leadership but you don't want him isolated 1 on1 against a striker with pace too many times.
What would you expect from him next season in the Championship with Derby County?
I'd expect him to be a fairly solid player who will give Derby everything that he possibly can. He's a good character but the main benefits of Richard Stearman I suspect may not always be immediately visible on a Saturday at 4:45pm but often expressed by Wayne Rooney pre and post match.
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