Derby County have announced the signing of veteran defender Erik Pieters on a free transfer.
John Eustace was recently appointed as the club's new head coach in a move that the Rams will hope lead to survival in the Championship.
Nine points being accumulated from six matches, the three wins in question coming in succession before the international break, have taken Derby to within one point of safety in the second-tier table.
However, with eight matches remaining, Eustace has strengthened his squad with the acquisition of former Netherlands international Pieters.
Derby County have completed the signing of Erik Pieters. ✅
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) March 28, 2025
The experienced defender has signed a deal until the end of the 2024/25 season. ✍️
Much-needed experience
The 36-year-old failed to make a single appearance for Luton Town during the first half of the season and was subsequently allowed to leave Kenilworth Road.
That has led to Derby taking a punt on a player who has made over 300 appearances in English football through representing three different teams.
A six-year stint with Stoke City between 2013 and 2019 is Pieters's most notable period before he went on to play for Burnley and West Bromwich Albion.
Pieters - an 18-cap Netherlands international - has made a total of 206 outings in the Premier League, with a further 79 matches coming in the Championship.
Erik Pieters: "I can help the team with my experience." 👊
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) March 28, 2025
Pieters to bide his time?
On the back of witnessing Derby beat Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City and Plymouth Argyle, Eustace is unlikely tinker with his team unless he needs to.
That will likely see Pieters, without a competitive appearance for more than a year, start his brief Derby stint on the substitutes' bench at best.
Nevertheless, with Eustace using a back three, there is scope to use Pieters in the centre or as a left wing-back.
Derby are back in action when they play host to Preston North End on Wednesday night.
Darren Plant
