Hedges Reunites with Eustace as Derby's Sixth Summer Signing

Ryan Hedges is back under John Eustace and back in the Championship spotlight, after Derby County snapped up the winger on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old has signed an initial one-year deal at Pride Park, with the Rams holding an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months. He left Blackburn Rovers at the end of last season when his contract at Ewood Park expired, ending a four-year spell in East Lancashire.

His move also restores a familiar partnership. Hedges worked with Eustace at Blackburn during the 2024-2025 period, and the Derby boss has now moved quickly to make him the club’s sixth signing of the summer.

The former Wales international, capped three times by his country, has effectively been on audition for weeks. He linked up with Derby for the start of pre-season last month, trained with the squad and featured in friendlies against Alfreton Town and SC Freiburg, giving supporters an early glimpse of his direct, hard-running style.

Hedges brings a varied CV with him. Before his time at Blackburn and now Derby, he had spells at Aberdeen – where he gained European experience in both the Europa League and the Europa Conference League – as well as Barnsley, Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient and Stevenage Borough.

For Derby, it is another piece added to Eustace’s rebuild. For Hedges, it is a short contract, a familiar manager and a clear challenge: make this stop in his career the one that really sticks.