‘The spark we need’ – Derby fans’ past reaction to transfer agreement proven to be justified

Two summers ago Derby County completed the signing of Matej Vydra from Watford.

Nigel Pearson’s Rams had started slowly in the Championship taking five points from their opening five games with the club crying out for a new striking addition.

Derby’s hierarchy duly delivered with the signing go the Czech Republic international, joining from Premier League side Watford for a then club record fee.

The then 24-year-old was hot property, scoring 36 goals in 83 league matches in the second tier.

And the move was confirmed in August 2016 – Vydra was a Ram.

BREAKING NEWS: #DCFC have completed the signing of @WatfordFC striker @vydra_92: https://t.co/Onus0OZ0LP ???? #dcfcfans pic.twitter.com/YhntLfyJ7L

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) August 27, 2016

The initial reaction to the new addition was a positive one from the club’s fans despite during his first season at Pride Park; the striker only managed to score five goals.

Great to see Vydra has signed. Hopefully get us the goals we desperately need! #dcfcfans

— Ash (@dcfc_89) August 27, 2016

Delighted with the signing of @vydra_92 Diminutive & pacey, 39 goals in 114 @SkyBetChamp appearances! Could be the spark we need #dcfcfans

— Rich Holmes (@RichNHolmes) August 27, 2016

Pleased with the signing of Vydra. Hope he is used correctly. #dcfc

— Frank Lampard’s Julie ???? (@Julie_Cotters) August 27, 2016

Vydra is the 1st quality signing we've made, since Bradley Johnson graced Derby City. Still believe he will become that midfield boss #dcfc

— JConnor (@JConnor1977) August 27, 2016

Five goals in his first season obviously did little to back up many of the Derby supporters’ thoughts that Vydra was indeed a good signing.

The Rams finished ninth in the division and saw Pearson sacked before Steve McClaren returned, but he too was sacked five months later before ending the season with Gary Rowett in charge.

It was the following season where Vydra indeed showed what he was capable of.

Derby finished sixth in the league and made it to the play-off semi-final but fell to defeat to Fulham.

Vydra, meanwhile, had a meteoric rise to form, scoring 22 goals in all competitions and 21 in the league to propel the Rams to the cusp of Premier League promotion, only to fall short just before the final hurdle.

Responses to the signing were finally justified in the end, though, as that prolific season he had was enough for the now former Derby man to move to Premier League Burnley.