DERBY COUNTY BLOG: The loan market can be a ‘win, win situation’, explains Andy Buckley-Taylor

Obviously, the then manager Nigel Clough saw enough from Martin to snap him up on a free transfer and has been proven right in doing so. The goals speak for themselves, but his hold up play and assists are other strengths to his game.

Craig Forsyth was another loanee from last season to make his move permanent in the summer and ever since Steve McClaren’s appointment he has been transformed from a struggling player into one who is probably the most improved at the club.

McClaren himself brought in Simon Dawkins on loan from Tottenham and he did enough to persuade the club to part with cash to make Dawkins a full time Ram.

Patrick Bamford was brought in on loan in January and has already bagged eight goals.

Andre Wisdom has had a good spell playing out of position at Right Back during his loan from Liverpool and George Thorne has impressed since joining on loan from West Bromwich.

The current list of loanees are three players who have played a part in the recent success of the club and prove that loans can work in your favour.

I’ve no doubt that moat Rams fans would love to see them join us on a permanent basis, however, I’m sure all three would command substantial transfer fees and with this season’s accounts being scrutinised for the financial fair play rules, good housekeeping with the accounts may put paid to any such thoughts of buying these players should their parent clubs even be prepared to sell them.

Obviously, should we be fortunate enough to get promotion via the play offs it’s a different ball game.

If the FFP rules are enforced in January, more clubs could be tempted to use the loan market more frequently. It keeps costs down and should the player loaned join the club on a proper contract it’s a win, win, situation.

Try before you buy!