Rams Young Aussie on the move?

The Rams have confirmed that Conference side York City are taking a look at Derby County’s Australian-born player James Meredith. The 18-year-old left-back or left-sided midfielder played for York’s Reserves earlier this week in a 1-1 draw against Rotherham United at the Kit Kat Cresent.
Meredith, who has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Rams, after signing a professional deal in the summer.

The young Victorian Meridith was delighted at the time of signing his first professional contract, when I interviewed him in April last season, he had been on the verge of a first team appearance but injuries hit and he missed his chance. Then the Rams changed coaches with Billy Davies replacing Terry Westley and the young Australian has not been able to break into the first team squad.

He said: “I am very happy to be offered a pro contract at Derby and I hope it’s the start of bigger things for me in football” said Meredith at Moor Farm. The Victorian lad has made many sacrifices and obviously misses family and friends, “It’s not been easy to relocate from the opposite side of the world at such a young age and leave behind so many of my family and friends in Melbourne, but I felt it was a sacrifice worth making. I’m delighted with the deal. I speak to my farther every day and friends over in Australia and with Derby’s very good support system it helps me and the other overseas players settle. It was a huge decision to leave Australia, especially on my own, but that’s the path I chose” The talented defender could have gone on another career path and his school grades were high, but only had one dream. “I didn’t finish my schooling to come over here to fulfil my dream of playing professional football. I had good grades and could have become an accountant, but ultimately I love football and this is what I want to do’ Meredith began his career with Richmond FC and Box Hill junior FC. He then moved to the VIS were he had six months under Ernie Merrick but unfortunately he was released, ‘Merrick didn’t fancy me at the time and I was released, It was a huge blow for me but I was determined to continue my football. I was given the opportunity to trial at Derby County and Terry Westley was impressed with me and offered me a scholarship.”
His future at Pride Park is now in doubt, but good look Mezer – as he is known to his team mates – in the future, where ever that is?