The Rams Naylor First Signing Of January Window!
Wednesday, 4th Jan 2012 13:05 by Daniel J Sewart

Once the January window opened DCFC immediately confirmed the signing of Tom Naylor from Mansfield Town. The 20-year-old has been at the Rams for two months but his move now becomes permanent for an undisclosed fee.

Having played for the reserves since his arrival in November, Naylor is still yet to taste first team action despite being in the match day squad on occasion. Seen as a young player with much potential the Rams beat off many suitors to land the defender.

As always with new signings RamZone has put together a full player profile so our readers can get to know the newest player to pull on the black and white.

Tomas Keith Naylor was born on the 28th of June 1991 in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.

As a youngster he was groomed to take a place in the midfield but after signing his first professional contract in 2009 with Mansfield Town was soon converted to become a central defender.

At 6 foot and 2 inches the imposing youngster showed he could read the play well and use his height and strength to slot into either right back or the centre of defence.

Naylor made his first-team debut against Altrincham in the penultimate game of the 2008–09 season. Despite finally debuting for Town, he spent the 2009 –10 season on a season-long loan at Belper Town.

At Belper his performances were impressive and quickly won over the local fans as he went on to claim the clubs player of the season award.

At the start of the 2010/11 season he joined Alfreton Town on loan but only lasted 3 games before returning to Manfield.

Back at Mansfield Naylor finally grabbed a starting position and his talent and potential began to excite not just his own club but also scouts at many others.

Various clubs were linked with Tom including Leeds, Hull and Preston. A League one side (believed to be Charlton) also made a bid that was rejected by Town. Then shortly afterwards Fulham made enquiries as to his availability which resulted in a one week trial but no contract.

It turned out that the Rams beat out all the circling parties after trialling Naylor in the reserves and soon afterwards signed him on loan with a view to a permanent deal which has now been completed.

Tom played his first official game as a Rams player for the reserves in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday.

With so many chasing the boy you cannot help but think Naylor must genuinely have something to offer to have become a sought after commodity.

It is great the Rams were able to swoop in and win his signature and what would be greater still will be for him to flourish and deliver on that potential in a Derby shirt. You only have to look at the likes of Brayford and Bailey to know that unknown youngsters can become first team regulars.

Nigel Clough is pleased with the way the move for Naylor is progressing:

"Tom has settled in really well and we're pleased with the progress he has made at this stage. We said when he arrived on loan that we feel he is a player who can, in time, develop and improve into becoming a Championship player and that remains the case.”

"The intention was always to bring Tom to the club permanently and we're delighted he will be with us for the long-term."

Now that he is a fully-fledged member of the Rams team, on behalf of RamZone and all DCFC fans – we wish Tom success in a Rams shirt!