Ryan Hedges Joins Derby County Under John Eustace

Ryan Hedges is back under John Eustace’s command, this time in Derby County colours, after sealing a free transfer to Pride Park.

The 31-year-old winger has agreed a one-year contract with the Rams, who hold an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months. He left Blackburn Rovers at the end of last season when his deal at Ewood Park expired, ending a four-year stint in East Lancashire that included a spell working with Eustace during the 2024-2025 campaign.

Derby moved early. Hedges linked up with the squad at the start of pre-season, training with his new teammates last month and featuring in friendlies against Alfreton Town and SC Freiburg as Eustace shaped his attacking options.

Once-capped at youth level and a three-cap former Wales international at senior level, Hedges brings a well-travelled CV. He has played in Europe with Aberdeen in both the Europa League and the Europa Conference League, and previously turned out for Barnsley, Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient and Stevenage Borough.

He becomes Derby’s sixth signing of the summer, another experienced piece added to a squad being quietly but firmly rebuilt.