Shackell Departs

Jason Shackell has joined Championship rivals Burnley for an undisclosed fee with The Rams looking to use the money from the deal to finance strengthening in other areas of the squad.

Having played a part in every game for Derby County last season and being runner-up to Craig Bryson in the voting for the player of the season awards it looked as though Nigel Clough had found a player to build the defence around, especially with the loss of Shaun Barker for the season through injury, but the decision has been taken to cash in on the stand in captain in order to free up wages and provide money to find a replacement and strengthen the side.

Shackell came to Pride Park from Barnsley last summer and was made captain at the start of the season, a role he was to keep until the return to the side of Barker and he again took the armband following the injury to his fellow defender during the victory over Nottingham Forest. Shackell made 49 appearances in total last season and was one of the sides most consistent performers attracting attention from a number of clubs. Having already turned down four bids for the defender it looked like Derby were going to hold on to the defender with the new season just around the corner but the decision has been made to sell and time will tell how wise this move will be.

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