Big Dave moves on

Darren Moore was today (26-01-06) unveiled by Derby County as their first signing of the January transfer window.

The defender, nicknamed 'Big Dave' by the Baggies faithful, made the move to Pride Park for an undisclosed fee after spending over four years at The Hawthorns.

Moore had been informed that his first team opportunities were going to become limited at Albion. The Baggies have been attempting to bring in other players to bolster the defence in recent weekes including Middlesborough defender Ugo Ehiogu and trialist Badou Kere.

Big Dave joined Albion in 2001 from Portsmouth and made 116 appearances for the club helping the Baggies rise into the Premier League for the first time in their history.

During the first promotion season Moore became part of the record breaking Baggies back four that kept a record number of clean sheets, he also scored one of the goals that clinched promotion against Crystal Palace and the goal that earned Albion their first ever Premiership win against Fulham.

In his time with the club Darren Moore became a firm fan favourite overnight with his fully committed displays for the Baggies and with his never say die attitude, the man was a born leader.

Moore was a player fans loved to see in the team, he was big and strong and would not back out of anything on the pitch. Off the pitch he was a gentle giant, an ambassador for charities, a believer in his faith and an absolute gent to anyone that met him

I would like to wish Darren all the best as he was one of my favourite players at the club and will always be remembered as one of my Baggie heroes.

Good luck at Derby Darren