Latest Derby County news from Derbyshire Live as Martyn Waghorn is released by Sky Blues after Championship play-off final defeat to Luton Town at Wembley
Coventry City have released their retained list after their play-off defeat to Luton at Wembley – and former Derby County striker Martyn Waghorn will be leaving the club.
Waghorn is one of seven players heading for the exit. The other free-agents are Julien Dacosta, Todd Kane, Sean Maguire, Michael Rose, Tyler Walker and Fankaty Dabo, the latter missing the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shootout against the Hatters.
Waghorn made 26 appearances for the Sky Blues this term but did not feature in the play-offs for Mark Robins’ side, who now face another season in the second tier.
Robins thanked the players for their service to the club, and in particular Dabo and Rose, who played key roles in their League One title-winning season.
“I would like to thank those who are leaving for their time with us, the contributions that they have made to Coventry City, and wish them all of the best for their future careers.
“In particular, Fankaty Dabo and Michael Rose were huge parts of the side that won the League One title and then established us in the Championship. They will both be fondly remembered for many years to come by all Sky Blues fans, and the outpouring of support for Fanky from our supporters following Saturday goes to show the esteem he is held in.
“I would also like to thank Jonathan, Callum, Brooke, Josh and Luke for the contributions they made this season while on loan with us, and their parent clubs too.
“While Saturday’s result was disappointing, we can be very proud of what we have achieved this season. The work now gets underway to prepare for the 2023/24 campaign and we look forward to going again in what will be another very competitive Championship season.”
Waghorn, 33, spent three years at Derby where he scored 26 goals in 111 league appearances. He is fondly remembered for the two goals he scored against Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of the 2020-21 season.
He scored twice in a 3-3 draw against the Owls, which kept them in the Championship under former Rams boss Wayne Rooney in a season that was finished behind closed doors to the coronavirus pandemic. He was released by Derby at the end of the season.
