The Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup is in full motion, and to celebrate the world's greatest tournament, we decided to put together 11 things about the World Cup that can be linked to Derbyshire.
Gary Cahill
Probably one of the better known links to the county, the Chelsea centre-half was born and raised in Dronfield.
Jordan Pickford
In case you don't know any Alfreton fans, and haven't yet been told eighteen times how he's 'one of their own'... Picks began his career at Sunderland, but his first professional appearance came for Darlington, on loan until January, Nicky Law spotted his potential and took on the out of favor keeper until the end of the season. The rest, as they say, is history.
Jamie Vardy
From one piece of master scouting to another. Nicky Law was desperately close to signing a young Jamie Vardy, but due to lack of funds, the move to Alfreton fell through. Had the Reds been more hesitant in signing strikers one summer, we may have had two ex Alfreton players at the World Cup. Wow.
Adam Priestley
Staying on the Alfreton theme, the Reds are set to benefit financially from this World Cup. Former striker Priestley was away on international duty to help Gibraltar qualify (in vain) for this years finals. Despite their failure, the club will receive a boost from UEFA.
James Meredith
Part of the Australian squad which finished bottom of Group C, he started his career with Derby in 2006, going on loan to Chesterfield the following year. He failed to make an appearance in any of their three games. He works alongside coach Mile Sterjovski, who also played for Derby during their abysmal Premier League season in 2008.
Sam Morsy
A former Spireite who did manage to make an appearance is Sam Morsy. The ex-Chesterfield captain and fan favourite replaced the injured Hamed in the 50th minute, but couldn't stop them conceding a last minute Uruguay winner.
Martin O'Neill
Another former Spireite at the World Cup is Martin O'Neill. The Republic of Ireland manager, who is part of ITV's punditry team, was registered as a player in 1984, but his appearances were limited to the reserves.
Harry Maguire
Schooled in Chesterfield, and brother of Spireites defender Laurence, Harry has looked solid at the back so far this tournament. He's also close friends with ex-Alfreton man Terry Kennedy, who was spotted on telly during the 6- thrashing of Panama. The pair played alongside each other in Sheffield United's academy, and attended the Euros two years ago as spectators. What a rise for Harry!
Martin Olsson
Twin brother of Derby's Marcus, the 30-year-old is yet to play in this years finals, but his native Sweden are still in the competition, facing Switzerland this afternoon.
Jack Butland
England's back up keeper behind former Alfreton Star Pickford (did we mention he played for Alfreton?) had a loan spell at Pride Park in 2014. He's now with former Rams boss Gary Rowett at Stoke.... For now at least.
Aleksandar Prijovic
The Serbian striker spent two years at Derby County but failed to make a single first team appearance. His contract was delayed by the Swiss Army amongst other factors, before loan spells to Yeovil and Northampton, and ultimately a move to FC Sion.
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