Derby County sign former Sheffield United defender ahead of Bramall Lane trip
Derby County have strengthened their centre-back department ahead of their upcoming Championship tussle with Sheffield United.
Derby County have signed former Sheffield United defender Jack Robinson on a short-term deal ahead of next Saturday’s Championship clash with the Blades at Bramall Lane.
The injury-hit Rams, who suffered their seventh defeat in their first 11 Championship matches after losing 1-0 to Stoke City at Pride Park on Saturday afternoon, have signed the former United defender on an initial three-month contract.
Robinson, who left Bramall Lane in September 2025, has been without a club since the beginning of last month after leaving Birmingham City following the mutual termination of his contract. His departure from St Andrew’s was confirmed exactly a year to the day after he joined the Blues from the Blades.
Derby confirmed Robinson’s signing on Saturday, meaning he was not registered in time to feature against Stoke. The club has said the defender’s fitness will ‘be monitored by the Rams’ strength and conditioning team’ before he is integrated into the first-team squad. As a result, it remains to be seen whether he will make his Derby debut against the Blades next weekend.
Robinson, 33, has not played since Birmingham were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers at St Andrew’s on 3 April, meaning he is going to need some time to regain match fitness.
Derby are currently dealing with a significant number of injury problems, particularly in defence. Right-back Ryan Nyambe was forced to play at centre-back, while winger Ryan Hedges featured at left-back against Stoke. Dion Sanderson is currently the only available senior centre-back.
In addition to being without defenders Max Johnston, Matt Clarke, Eiran Cashin, Sondre Langås, Derry Murkin, Craig Forsyth and Charlie Taylor, the Rams are also without first-choice goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström and striker Patrick Agyemang, who is a long-term absentee with a ruptured Achilles.
Robinson, who spent five years at Bramall Lane, made 162 appearances for the Blades, scoring seven goals.