Wood still hoping for Derby County loan

Getty Images

LOAN LOOMS: All Whites striker Chris Wood celebrates scoring for West Bromwich Albion against Leyton Orient in the Carling Cup.

Relevant offers

Football

LuaLua sends Blackpool into FA Cup fifth round Taupo to host Olympic Football qualifiers Anfield cat becomes internet hit Liverpool and Spurs play out goal-less draw at Anfield Teen star Holly Patterson called up to Football Ferns Nelsen benched through Spurs-Liverpool match Fabio Capello on thin ice with Terry comments Glory momentum builds with Coast thumping FIFA to reinstate Egypt Football Association Redknapp case: Tabloid evidence slammed

All Whites striker Chris Wood's potential Derby County loan remains alive – with a little help from Bay Olympic and Waitakere United goalkeeper Danny Robinson.

Derby boss Nigel Clough – son of legendary English manger Brian – was Robinson's gaffer at English league side Burton Albion between 2001-05 and the pair recently caught up in the UK.

"I've stayed in touch with Nigel. He's a top man, an absolute legend, and I've got a lot of time for him and the Clough family," Robinson said. "My brother Adam is the fitness and conditioning coach for Derby's academy and reserve team. He mentioned to Nigel that I was planning a trip to England after the World Cup and Nigel said he wanted me to drop by.

"We met up and got talking about Kiwi football and I told him there was a few lads in the All Whites squad worth keeping an eye on.

"Nigel said he'd been impressed by Chris [Wood] and asked me about him. Having played with Woodsy at Waikato FC and Hamilton Wander- ers I know he's a very hard-working and talented player.

"That's exactly what I told Nigel and I've told Chris a loan there would be great for him. He might owe me a beer sometime soon."

Wood is contracted to West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League but a loan to second-tier Derby would offer more opportunities to develop his trade.

Baggies manager and former Chelsea ace Roberto Di Matteo has said he'd be willing to let Wood leave temporarily but injuries are said to have forced Di Matteo into delaying the deal.

The English transfer window closed on Tuesday but with a secondary window opening in two days – allowing loans of up to 93 days – the move could yet happen.

"Having spoken with Nigel and Chris, I know they're both keen on reaching an agreement so we'll see what happens through the loan window," Robinson said.

"Nigel commands the same respect as his dad and that's why I think Chris can benefit if he ends up moving there."

- © Fairfax NZ News