Clark is 'statement signing' for Rams

[BBC] [Getty Images] The Rams announced their first signing of the summer transfer window on Monday evening, acquiring the permanent services of midfielder Bobby Clark. Following a highly successful loan spell at Pride Park last campaign, during which the 21-year-old was named the club's young player of the season, supporters have been delighted to see Clark commit his long-term future to the club. Arriving for a fee believed to be in the region of £6m, the pressure will no doubt be on Clark to build on an impressive first season in black and white and become a key figure in Derby's midfield, as the Rams set their sights on mounting a promotion push in the upcoming campaign. The signing of Clark fits the mould of Derby's long-term plans. At the age of 21 he still has plenty of room to improve and develop. With the Rams using a business model that operates by buying young high-ceiling players and selling them on for profit, Clark feels like the perfect fit for what Derby are trying to achieve, particularly as he will be entering his prime when his four-year deal at Pride Park comes to an end. Perhaps the most impressive part of securing Clark's signature has been the statement it has made. Clark reportedly attracted attention from a number of other clubs, including fellow Championship sides Wrexham and West Ham United, alongside Scottish giants Rangers. Being able to fend off clubs of that calibre, who have significant financial backing, and in Rangers' case have European football to offer, is a clear indication that the appeal of the long-term project being built at Pride Park is growing. Getting business done early has also been important, Derby have shown a level of proactivity that they have perhaps lacked in previous transfer windows, an approach that has often separated them from the teams who have gone on to be successful and in some cases gone on to achieve promotion. Acting quickly has not only allowed the Rams to secure one of the most highly rated young midfielders in the league, it has also provided John Eustace and his staff with valuable time to shape the rest of the squad around him. With a key piece of the puzzle already in place, Derby can now approach the remainder of the transfer window with greater clarity, as they look to add further quality and depth ahead of the new campaign. The general consensus among supporters is that Derby need to get their strength in depth right this season. Last season, the Rams fell short during the business end of the campaign as injuries to key players began to mount. Not having enough quality reinforcements to step in ultimately cost Derby, so you would expect Eustace to address that this summer. As well as wanting to build a strong starting line-up, it's important that the Rams have greater depth across the squad, with players not only capable of making an impact from the bench, but also having the quality to step in for a run of games if needed. Adding depth should also allow key players to be rested during particularly intense periods, which should help Derby to avoid another costly injury crisis. Clark's arrival is certainly an exciting start to Derby's summer business, providing a perfect foundation to build on. Supporters will now be eager to see who else the Rams can bring to Pride Park as the transfer window progresses. You can often catch Amelia Warren as a guest on BBC Radio Derby.