"I'm happy to be on board": Derby County sign Charlton star Blackett-Taylor
Corey Blackett-Taylor is Derby County's first January signing of the season
Derby County have signed Charlton Athletic winger Corey Blackett-Taylor on an initial loan deal that will become permanent in the summer.
The Rams agreed the deal after having had multiple bids come back and forth for the talented winger.
Blackett-Taylor has made 28 appearances for Charlton in League One this season scoring nine goals and recording six assists.
Paul Warne has been keen to add some more pace and firepower going forward and the 26 year-old will certainly provide that.
Upon signing for Derby, Blackett-Taylor spoke to Rams TV to discuss his move. He said: "It’s a massive club, everyone knows that. I’m happy to be on board. I believe in the project for the next 12 to 18 months and I feel like this will be a place where not only will I have a chance to play in a higher league but also develop as a player as well.
"I’ve spoken to the manager a few times. There was interest last summer but I’m just happy to be here now and finally get it done."
The winger has been one of the hottest attacking players in League One this season and Paul Warne has had him as a target since the start of the season. Blackett-Taylor said that the Derby boss was instrumental in persuading him to make the move to Pride Park.
He added: "I like to go into clubs where I have a clear understanding of what the manager wants from me and how he sees me fitting into the team, and he was essential in that.
"I feel like there’s a certain belief that he has in me. I think I thrive personally when I feel I have the backing of a manager. I feel like I can play free here, he’s got trust in me and feels I can keep going on and keep getting better. As a player, that’s the kind of guy I like to play for."
Derby will now be spoilt for choice on the wings with the likes of Tom Barkhuizen, Kane Wilson and most notably Nathaniel Mendez-Laing all having had impressive seasons so far.
The addition of Blackett-Taylor will give the Rams even more quality going forward in the hope that he can bring more goals and assists to Pride Park.
He spent over two years with the Addicks signing in the summer of 2021. The winger scored 18 goals during his time at the Valley with the first half of this season being his best spell for the club.
The 26 year-old aims to replicate his good form for the Rams. He added; "I feel like this was the right time to go and explore this new challenge and I’m ready for it.
"There’s a lot of things in my personal game that I’ve improved. I feel like I’m a different player and I can’t wait to get going.
"With the conversations I’ve had with the manager, he’s already told me how he sees me improving and how I can fit into the team so I’m looking forward to it.