Shaun Derry
Encyclopedia
Shaun Peter Derry is an English
footballer who plays for Queens Park Rangers
. Derry is known for his hard-tackling and aggressive midfield style. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also play at right-back.
as a trainee before being bought by Sheffield United
in 1998 for a fee of £700,000. He scored once during his spell at Sheffield United, his goal coming in the FA Cup against Rushden & Diamonds.
in 2000 for £300,000. He was a regular in the side under both Tony Pulis
and Steve Claridge
before being made captain by Graham Rix
. After Rix's departure, Derry was amongst the many players deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Harry Redknapp
in summer 2002 rebuilding and was sold to Crystal Palace
for £400,001. He scored only once during his spell at Portsmouth, his goal coming in a crucial win over against West Bromwich Albion.
in 2004, making 44 appearances including an appearance in the play-off final. It was his corner that led to Darren Powell
scoring a 90th minute header to send the Eagles to extra-time in the semi-final, which they would win on penalties. He struggled to get into the team during the 2004–05
season and, after a loan spell at Nottingham Forest
, Leeds signed him for an undisclosed amount in February 2005.
came on his home debut against West Ham United
, sealing a 2–1 victory against the Hammers. Derry was a regular in the Leeds starting eleven in season 2005–06
, becoming a vital part of the squad as they pushed for promotion back into the Premier League
and a cult hero with the Leeds fans for his passionate displays. Derry was part of the Leeds team which reached the Championship Playoff finals, but Leeds ended up on the wrong end of a 3–0 defeat to confine them to another season in the Championship. In August 2006 he pledged his future to the club, signing a contract extension until July 2009.
Leeds' Manager Kevin Blackwell
was sacked after a poor start to the 2006–07 season. In October 2006, new Leeds manager Dennis Wise
revealed Derry as the new vice captain of the club, with Kevin Nicholls
made captain. Derry was once again a regular in the Leeds team in the 2006–07 season
, however many Leeds fans believed that his performances were not as good as those in the previous season. A hernia and achilles injury in January 2007 saw Derry being ruled out for the rest of the season. Derry admitted he was distraught at not being able to help Leeds with their fight to avoid relegation.
Perhaps partly due to Derry's absence, Leeds were relegated and the usual speculation began of a mass-exodus of players from the club.
After Leeds' 2–1 victory over Derry's former club Crystal Palace
at Elland Road
in February, manager Wise revealed that one member of his squad, who has become known as 'the mole' had given United's teamsheet to the Palace management. Though Wise did not reveal who he suspected it was, he did assure that the player in question would not play for Leeds United again.
Derry's fitness returned the following season
as Leeds prepared for life in League One
. However, Derry did not feature for the club again and returned to former club Palace
on loan in November, further fuelling suspicion that Derry was indeed the 'mole' who had given the Palace management the United teamsheet, although the Palace management had since changed.
on New Year's Day 2008 following Leeds' midfield being decimated by injuries. That same day, Derry was named "Man of the Match" for the third successive game at Selhurst Park
after a performance that typified his work since his return to Palace. It was later revealed that it was actually manager Neil Warnock
who blocked Derry's return to Leeds rather than Derry himself.
Shortly after his loan spell concluded, Derry made his move back to Palace
a permanent one, signing for the club on a three year deal. for £150,000.
In his second season back at the club he was named Club Captain after the departure of former captain Mark Hudson
to Charlton
. He held the position for the next two seasons.
In the 2009–10 season, Palace were placed into administration, leading to the departure of Neil Warnock
and a desperate fight to avoid relegation to League One
. This was finally achieved on the last day of the season.
at the end of the season to reunite with Warnock at his new club Queens Park Rangers
on a free transfer, after his contract at Palace expired. He has since then gone on to be one of Warnock's finest pieces of business in the transfer market. He has been a stand in skipper and is always influential in the heart of the midfield .
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
footballer who plays for Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
. Derry is known for his hard-tackling and aggressive midfield style. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also play at right-back.
Early career
Derry started his career at Notts CountyNotts County F.C.
Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system...
as a trainee before being bought by Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
in 1998 for a fee of £700,000. He scored once during his spell at Sheffield United, his goal coming in the FA Cup against Rushden & Diamonds.
Portsmouth
Derry was sold to PortsmouthPortsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
in 2000 for £300,000. He was a regular in the side under both Tony Pulis
Tony Pulis
Anthony Richard "Tony" Pulis is a Welsh former football player and is currently the manager of Stoke City. Pulis obtained his FA coaching badge at the age of 19, followed by his UEFA 'A' licence aged 21 – making him one of the youngest professional players ever to have obtained the qualification...
and Steve Claridge
Steve Claridge
Stephen Edward Claridge is an English football player, pundit and coach. He is currently a pundit for BBC Sport football shows including Football Focus and the The Football League Show, whilst also playing as a striker for semi-professional team Gosport Borough.Claridge's career is known for its...
before being made captain by Graham Rix
Graham Rix
Graham Cyril Rix is an English former football player and coach. He was fired by Heart of Midlothian in March 2006, which was his most recent role in professional football...
. After Rix's departure, Derry was amongst the many players deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp
Henry James "Harry" Redknapp is a former English footballer who has enjoyed a long career in football management starting in 1983 with Bournemouth. He is the current manager of Tottenham Hotspur....
in summer 2002 rebuilding and was sold to Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
for £400,001. He scored only once during his spell at Portsmouth, his goal coming in a crucial win over against West Bromwich Albion.
Crystal Palace
Derry helped Crystal Palace in their return to the Premier LeagueFA Premier League
The Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier...
in 2004, making 44 appearances including an appearance in the play-off final. It was his corner that led to Darren Powell
Darren Powell
Darren David Powell is an English footballer. He will be a free agent after the expiry of his contract with Milton Keynes Dons on 30 June 2010. He is a centre back.-Football career:...
scoring a 90th minute header to send the Eagles to extra-time in the semi-final, which they would win on penalties. He struggled to get into the team during the 2004–05
2004-05 in English football
The 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League...
season and, after a loan spell at Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest F.C.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
, Leeds signed him for an undisclosed amount in February 2005.
Leeds United
Derry's first goal for Leeds UnitedLeeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
came on his home debut against West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
, sealing a 2–1 victory against the Hammers. Derry was a regular in the Leeds starting eleven in season 2005–06
2005-06 in English football
The 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether...
, becoming a vital part of the squad as they pushed for promotion back into the Premier League
FA Premier League
The Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier...
and a cult hero with the Leeds fans for his passionate displays. Derry was part of the Leeds team which reached the Championship Playoff finals, but Leeds ended up on the wrong end of a 3–0 defeat to confine them to another season in the Championship. In August 2006 he pledged his future to the club, signing a contract extension until July 2009.
Leeds' Manager Kevin Blackwell
Kevin Blackwell
Kevin Patrick Blackwell is an English former professional football goalkeeper who since retiring as a player has worked as a coach and a manager. He has an identical twin, Noel.-Early career:...
was sacked after a poor start to the 2006–07 season. In October 2006, new Leeds manager Dennis Wise
Dennis Wise
Dennis Frank Wise is an English former football manager and player, and former Executive Director at Newcastle United....
revealed Derry as the new vice captain of the club, with Kevin Nicholls
Kevin Nicholls
Kevin John Richard Nicholls is an English former footballer who played in midfield. He is currently a coach at Conference National side Rushden & Diamonds....
made captain. Derry was once again a regular in the Leeds team in the 2006–07 season
2006-07 in English football
The 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...
, however many Leeds fans believed that his performances were not as good as those in the previous season. A hernia and achilles injury in January 2007 saw Derry being ruled out for the rest of the season. Derry admitted he was distraught at not being able to help Leeds with their fight to avoid relegation.
Perhaps partly due to Derry's absence, Leeds were relegated and the usual speculation began of a mass-exodus of players from the club.
After Leeds' 2–1 victory over Derry's former club Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
at Elland Road
Elland Road
Elland Road is an all-seater football stadium in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has been the permanent residence of Leeds United A.F.C...
in February, manager Wise revealed that one member of his squad, who has become known as 'the mole' had given United's teamsheet to the Palace management. Though Wise did not reveal who he suspected it was, he did assure that the player in question would not play for Leeds United again.
Derry's fitness returned the following season
2007-08 in English football
The 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool...
as Leeds prepared for life in League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
. However, Derry did not feature for the club again and returned to former club Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
on loan in November, further fuelling suspicion that Derry was indeed the 'mole' who had given the Palace management the United teamsheet, although the Palace management had since changed.
Back to Palace
Further doubts about the midfielder's future at the Elland Road club arose when it was reported that Derry had declined Wise's offer to return and feature in the home tie against Oldham AthleticOldham Athletic A.F.C.
Oldham Athletic Association Football Club is an English association football club based at Boundary Park, on Sheepfoot Lane in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The club currently competes in the Football League One, the third tier of the English league...
on New Year's Day 2008 following Leeds' midfield being decimated by injuries. That same day, Derry was named "Man of the Match" for the third successive game at Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park is an English football stadium located in the London suburb of South Norwood in the Borough of Croydon. It is the current home ground of Crystal Palace Football Club. Its present capacity is 26,309.-History:...
after a performance that typified his work since his return to Palace. It was later revealed that it was actually manager Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock is an English former footballer who is currently manager of English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers....
who blocked Derry's return to Leeds rather than Derry himself.
Shortly after his loan spell concluded, Derry made his move back to Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
a permanent one, signing for the club on a three year deal. for £150,000.
In his second season back at the club he was named Club Captain after the departure of former captain Mark Hudson
Mark Hudson (footballer born 1982)
Mark Alexander Hudson is an English footballer who is the current club captain of Football League Championship side Cardiff City. He plays as a centre half.-Career:...
to Charlton
Charlton Athletic F.C.
Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Greenwich. They compete in Football League One, the third tier of English football. The club was founded on 9 June 1905, when a number of youth clubs in the southeast London area,...
. He held the position for the next two seasons.
In the 2009–10 season, Palace were placed into administration, leading to the departure of Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock is an English former footballer who is currently manager of English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers....
and a desperate fight to avoid relegation to League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
. This was finally achieved on the last day of the season.
Queens Park Rangers
Derry departed Selhurst ParkSelhurst Park
Selhurst Park is an English football stadium located in the London suburb of South Norwood in the Borough of Croydon. It is the current home ground of Crystal Palace Football Club. Its present capacity is 26,309.-History:...
at the end of the season to reunite with Warnock at his new club Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
on a free transfer, after his contract at Palace expired. He has since then gone on to be one of Warnock's finest pieces of business in the transfer market. He has been a stand in skipper and is always influential in the heart of the midfield .
Honours
- 2004 Football League ChampionshipChampionshipChampionship is a term used in sport to refer to various forms of competition in which the aim is to decide which individual or team is the champion.- Title match system :...
Play-off Winner with Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in... - 2006 Football League ChampionshipChampionshipChampionship is a term used in sport to refer to various forms of competition in which the aim is to decide which individual or team is the champion.- Title match system :...
Play-off Runner-up with Leeds - 2011 Football League ChampionshipChampionshipChampionship is a term used in sport to refer to various forms of competition in which the aim is to decide which individual or team is the champion.- Title match system :...
League Winner with QPRQueens Park Rangers F.C.Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
External links
- Shaun Derry profile at the Queens Park Rangers website