Derby County‘s Academy continues to develop young talent, with a flurry of loan moves, contract signings, and first-team experience shaping the path for several promising players.
Midfielder Charlie Smith has committed his future to Derby County by signing his first professional deal, keeping him at Pride Park until the end of the 2027/28 season. The 17-year-old becomes the third Academy graduate to turn professional this season, following defenders Luca Crolla and Rio Canoville.
A left-footed central midfielder, Smith joined Derby as an Under-9s player and has steadily progressed through the junior ranks.
He finished as the top scorer for the Under-15s during their run to the Floodlit Cup final in 2023/24 and has since become a key figure for the Under-18s and Under-21s.
Smith made his Premier League 2 debut in November, setting up a goal inside the first minute against Blackburn Rovers Under-21s, and has since featured in multiple Premier League Cup matches.
Reflecting on the milestone, Smith said: “It’s one of the best days of my life.
“I feel it’s a reward for all the hard work and sacrifices my family have made.
“Everyone at Derby County has helped me get to this point, and I hope to keep taking my opportunities.”
Academy Manager Matt Hale added: “Charlie is a very skilful attacking midfielder with real positive guile.
“He has impressed the senior coaching staff and is definitely one to watch in the coming years.”
Daniel Cox, a 19-year-old Wales Under-21 defender, recently returned from a loan spell with Walsall, where he made seven appearances across EFL competitions.
Cox now heads out on a month-long loan to Wealdstone in the National League to continue gaining first-team experience.
He could make his debut in the FA Trophy Fourth Round against Dagenham & Redbridge, with National League fixtures against Woking, Tamworth, Morecambe, and Gateshead to follow.
Meanwhile, Sam Kane, Derby’s Under-21 goalkeeper, has joined Worcester City on a month-long loan to cover their next four league matches.
The 19-year-old Scottish stopper, who joined Derby from Queen’s Park in October, brings prior first-team experience from Stranraer and will aim to strengthen Worcester’s promotion push.
Tristan Gill, a versatile left-back who can also play at centre-half, has linked up with Buxton FC on a short-term youth loan.
The 19-year-old, who signed his first professional contract in January 2025, will feature in six National League North fixtures, starting with the trip to Oxford City, as Buxton look to secure a play-off spot.
Derby striker Lennon Wheeldon has extended his loan with South Shields by an additional month.
The 19-year-old has made 14 appearances since arriving in November and has already made an impact, scoring in both the FA Trophy and the National League North.
Wheeldon, an England Under-19 international, will look to continue helping South Shields maintain their place at the top of the table.
These moves highlight Derby County’s ongoing commitment to developing homegrown talent.
By combining professional contracts, strategic loan spells, and opportunities with the first team, the Rams’ Academy continues to provide young players with the platform to grow, gain experience, and potentially make the step into senior football.
With players like Charlie Smith, Daniel Cox, Sam Kane, Tristan Gill, and Lennon Wheeldon all making strides, the Academy’s future looks bright, and supporters can expect to see these Young Rams making an impact both on loan and eventually at Pride Park.
