Derby County former key player makes surprise return after ‘personal battles and setbacks……..

Former Derby County winger Jordon Ibe has made a surprise move to National League club Ebbsfleet United.

The 27-year-old scored five goals in 24 appearances while on loan with the Rams in 2014-15, and featured once in a short-lived second spell in 2020

-21. During that time, Ibe spoke openly about his struggles with depression and has been facing “personal battles and setbacks” since then

He had a few months in Turkey last year with Adanaspor, but did not play a game, and is now back in England with a fifth-tier club. Ibe has spoken glowingly of Ebbsfleet and their support for him as he returns to the pitch.

“I just want to get back out there, show people what I can do again and play football,” Ibe told EUFC.co.uk. “I’ve worked hard to be in a position where I am able to focus on football and believe in myself and my ability to contribute on the pitch. Being back out there is where I love to be and where I’m most happy but I needed to be healthy and prepared to give myself that chance.

“The way Ebbsfleet have helped me and put a process in place so I can be ready has been really supportive. I came in and have had to back myself and prove I’m here to succeed to earn my chance. The gaffer and staff have built up my fitness to the point where I’m ready to go with a ball and I’m really pleased to be able to concentrate on my game while at the same time being really supported.”

Speaking about his new signing, Ebbsfleet boss Dennis Kutrieb said: “This is a signing that will generate a lot of discussion outside our club but for us and for Jordon it is only about Ebbsfleet United and getting him back on the pitch to show us what we know he can do. Starting or bringing Jordon into the squad is not something we have rushed into because we have had him here with us for a while, getting to know us and his new teammates and waiting until he is ready to play again.

“I’m delighted we have reached that point and I am looking forward to seeing what he will do in front of our supporters in the coming season. Like many of us in our club and the world generally, Jordon has had his personal battles and setbacks, but he has made brave decisions to talk about those issues, made a genuine effort to seek assistance and applied tools daily to improve his overall health. He is committed to the club and the playing group here for allowing him time and a platform to enjoy playing football again.”

READ MORE

Derby County head to the Croud Meadow to face Shrewsbury Town in League One on Saturday, with the Rams looking to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games.

Paul Warne’s side won 2-1 away at Notts County in the EFL Trophy last time out, with their last league fixture being a disappointing 1-1 draw away at Cheltenham Town.

The Rams currently sit in 9th place of the table compared to Shrewsbury in 18th, with Matthew Taylor’s side having lost just one of their last four in League One, but having won just one of their last seven league outings.

Paul Warne’s side won 2-1 away at Notts County in the EFL Trophy last time out, with their last league fixture being a disappointing 1-1 draw away at Cheltenham Town.

The Rams currently sit in 9th place of the table compared to Shrewsbury in 18th, with Matthew Taylor’s side having lost just one of their last four in League One, but having won just one of their last seven league outings.

Derby County fans are among the best in the Football League, let alone League One.

And despite their inconsistency in the league this season, fans continue to back their team, and they’ll want to see a win against an out of shape Shrewsbury Town side this weekend.