Departing Derby County man announces retirement from playing career

Departing Derby County goalkeeper Scott Loach has announced that he is retiring from professional football this summer.

The 36 year-old has made it clear that he’s keen on making a career in coaching going forward but is yet to confirm a move.

Loach’s two year spell with Derby has only provided him with three appearances for the Rams in the EFL Trophy, but he has given Derby plenty of experience in the dressing room.

The goalkeeper has had somewhat of a journeyman career playing for the likes of Watford, Hartlepool, Ipswich, Chesterfield Town and Barnet among many.

He has two promotions to his name, one with Chesterfield from the National league in 2022 and one for the Rams this season.

Loach has made over 470 career appearances and has also earnt 14 caps for England’s U21s team.

The Nottingham-born goalkeeper has been somewhat of a mentor to Derby’s other goalkeepers whilst at Pride Park and is likely to become a goalkeeping coach as it is something that he has made clear that he intends to do upon his retirement.

He took to X to announce his retirement, by saying: “Lived my dream, and loved every second of it, thank you to everyone who’s been there supported me and gave me the opportunity!

“I have a new passion now which is coaching and I look forward to attacking that head on! Much love! Up the goalies. Loachy x".