Leeds United Football Club - Blackwell Finally Nets Derry
Leeds United have completed the signing of Shaun Derry from Crystal Palace on a permanent transfer in time for the midfielder to be available for tomorrow's trip to Wigan.
Derry had been partway through the second month of a loan spell with Championship strugglers Nottingham Forest when he was recalled yesterday and arrived at Thorp Arch earlier today to finalise his move. He trained with his new team-mates ahead of leaving for the game at the JJB tomorrow.
The 27-year-old had been set to join Leeds back in November but the deal fell apart at the last minute through no fault of the player.
Nottingham-born Derry began his career as a trainee at Notts County, moved on to Sheffield United in 1998 for £700,000 and was snapped up by Portsmouth in 2000 for £300,000 before a £400,000 switch to Selhurst Park in 2002.
United boss Kevin Blackwell has been a long time admirer of Derry, a player he worked with at Sheffield United, and said:"His track record for Portsmouth and Crystal Palace has been impressive and his experience in the middle of the park will go a long way to strengthen our squad.
"He's been involved in this division for a few years now and is a battler. He is a fierce competitor, while he is also powerful, strong and at 27, he is coming up to the right age for a midfielder."
The fee for Derry will be undisclosed and he has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Elland Road.
Leeds United have completed the signing of Shaun Derry from Crystal Palace on a permanent transfer in time for the midfielder to be available for tomorrow's trip to Wigan.
Derry had been partway through the second month of a loan spell with Championship strugglers Nottingham Forest when he was recalled yesterday and arrived at Thorp Arch earlier today to finalise his move. He trained with his new team-mates ahead of leaving for the game at the JJB tomorrow.
The 27-year-old had been set to join Leeds back in November but the deal fell apart at the last minute through no fault of the player.
Nottingham-born Derry began his career as a trainee at Notts County, moved on to Sheffield United in 1998 for £700,000 and was snapped up by Portsmouth in 2000 for £300,000 before a £400,000 switch to Selhurst Park in 2002.
United boss Kevin Blackwell has been a long time admirer of Derry, a player he worked with at Sheffield United, and said:"His track record for Portsmouth and Crystal Palace has been impressive and his experience in the middle of the park will go a long way to strengthen our squad.
"He's been involved in this division for a few years now and is a battler. He is a fierce competitor, while he is also powerful, strong and at 27, he is coming up to the right age for a midfielder."
The fee for Derry will be undisclosed and he has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Elland Road.