"Surprised" claim made as £6.5k-a-week Derby County ace remains at Pride Park | OneFootball

Derby County fan pundit Shaun Woodward believes Conor Washington has outstayed his welcome at Derby County

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Derby County striker Conor Washington has become a point of contention after remaining with the club throughout the January transfer window, despite not featuring in any matches this season.

The 32-year-old joined the Rams from Rotherham United at the beginning of the 23/24 season, making sixteen appearances in Derby colours and finding the back of the net just once.

The Northern Irish international started his career for non league St Ives Town, before joining Newport County in the National League in 2012. Since achieving promotion to the Football League with the Ambers in 2012, Washington has amassed 375 appearances for teams across the EFL, including Charlton Athletic, Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers and Peterborough United.

Washington’s only appearances this season have been limited to the Premier League 2, scoring for Derby County Academy in a 2-6 loss to Chelsea’s U21 outfit, and completing a second full 90 in a 4-1 win over West Bromich Albion academy.

Washington is "definitely not good enough for the Championship"

FLW's Derby County fan pundit Shaun Woodward has been particularly critical, stating: "I'm really surprised Conor Washington didn't leave in the January transfer window. He hasn't played a single minute this season."

Woodward's harsh assessment continued, arguing that Washington's performance level does not meet the club's standards: "He wasn't good enough in League One, he's definitely not going to be good enough in the Championship if he ever does get fit."

Washington continues to be part of Derby County's squad despite manager Paul Warne’s quotes alluding to a move in early January. Warne had previously indicated potential movement, saying: "Possibly not. You have to shuffle the pack and Conor wants to play more than he obviously is. There will be a few players leaving. He could be one of them."

However, the transfer window has now shut with Washington still at the club, contrary to initial expectations.

The manager had emphasised a measured approach, noting: "I am not one to drive them out of the training ground and throw their boots at them. It's about the opportunity and whether it is better than what he currently has." Subsequently, his minutes for Derby County’s Academy team allude moreso to regaining fitness, rather than a late-career transition to coaching.

These comments preceded ongoing criticism, including pundit Shaun Woodward's assessment that Washington represents a "complete waste of a squad number" due to his lack of first-team appearances this season.

Derby's financial puzzle: The cost of keeping an unused player

Woodward has further highlighted the financial implications of Washington's continued presence.

With Capology estimating Washington's weekly wage at £6,500, his retention represents a significant ongoing cost for Derby County without first-team contributions.

"We could have definitely done with having him out, to save wages, to potentially bring someone else in," Woodward emphasised, underscoring the potential missed opportunity for financial and squad management.

At £6,500 per week, Washington's annual salary would approximate £338,000, a substantial sum for a player currently featuring only in academy matches.

This financial consideration adds weight to Woodward's criticism, suggesting the club could have potentially redistributed these resources to strengthen the squad during the transfer window.

Washington's continued presence at Derby County remains an unresolved narrative. Despite limited first-team prospects and ongoing scrutiny, the 32-year-old continues to represent a complex puzzle for the club - balancing potential fitness recovery, squad depth, and financial considerations in an increasingly competitive Championship landscape.