This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Derby County have been linked with a move for former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith.

According to Alan Nixon, the 26-year old is a transfer target for the Rams, with Liam Rosenior keen to add the shot-stopper to his squad.

Here we ask our FLW writers their verdict on if the Englishman would be a good option as the club’s first choice between the sticks… 

Adam Jones

Considering he's 26, he has a real lack of game time under his belt and this is why it may be quite a step up for Wildsmith if he was to come in as first-choice shot-stopper.

But on a free transfer and with the stopper unlikely to command a big wage, he could be a good backup option to have at the Pride Park.

He has shown in the past that he's capable of stepping up when needed - but another stopper will be required in this department to fill gaps left by departures and that new signing should be a suitable number one, or at least actively challenging Wildsmith for a starting spot.

Though it could be argued that they need to wait to sign anyone whilst a new manager is appointed, they need bodies in as quickly as possible and Wildsmith should be adaptable to different styles of play.

George Dagless

Potentially he could be.

Derby obviously need to add to their side in various areas of the pitch before the new season begins and I think Wildsmith is a player that can provide a good level of quality to the team.

 

 

He is a player familiar with League One football and that is something that Derby need to bring in this summer given how long it has been since they were last in the third tier.

The Rams are in an unenviable position and signing players is going to be difficult this summer, at least for now, but I think bringing in Wildsmith would show that the club is still working hard to try and improve the squad and that it can be done.

Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

This could potentially be a decent signing for Derby, particularly given their current circumstances.

Given the mess at Pride Park, which you feel for Derby fans about, not many players will be jumping at the chance to join the Rams.

However, if they can sign Wildsmith, he could be a capable keeper at League One level.

The 26-year-old is still relatively young for a goalkeeper and has amassed 68 Championship appearances at this stage.

Things didn't work out last season as Wednesday went down and his appearances were limited, but that could be Derby's gain if they pull this one off.