Joe Wildsmith, the goalkeeper who played a key role in Derby County's promotion from League One in the 2023-24 season, has departed on a free transfer to join Wycombe Wanderers, according to a BBC Sport report.

A clean-sheet record that caught the eye

The 30-year-old arrives at Adams Park with considerable experience behind him, having made 172 appearances across the Championship and League One with Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, West Bromwich Albion and Barnsley. His most notable stint came with the Rams, where he was a reliable presence between the sticks during the promotion campaign and earned the golden glove award for recording the most clean sheets in the 2023-24 season.

That recognition underlined the contribution Wildsmith made to Derby's return to the second tier. Consistent shot-stopping allied to commanding performances in what was a largely settled back line helped Paul Warne's side secure their place back in the Championship, and Wildsmith was rightly credited as a significant part of that effort.

Brief spell at Middlesbrough before exit

Following his time with Derby, Wildsmith had a brief association with Middlesbrough towards the end of last season, though he did not make a senior appearance for the club. He has now moved on without a fee, with Wycombe confirming the signing.

Tom Stockwell, Wycombe's director of football strategy, explained the thinking behind the capture: "With Conor Hazard away on international duty, and this likely to happen multiple times throughout the season, we thought bringing in a keeper of Joe's quality gives us the strength in depth to compete across all competitions this season."

Wycombe's situation prompts the move

The immediate context at Adams Park made the signing a pressing one. First-choice goalkeeper Matt Macey sustained a cruciate ligament injury during pre-season, a setback that left the Chairboys thin in their goalkeeping options heading into a busy schedule. Wildsmith's arrival addresses that concern directly, offering an experienced hand to cover when Hazard is on international duty with Northern Ireland.

Wycombe are currently operating without a permanent manager after Michael Duff was sacked earlier this month, with interim head coach Tom Hounsell overseeing first-team affairs. The club sit 14th in League One at present.

What it means for Derby

For Derby, Wildsmith's move to Wycombe draws a final line under his contribution to one of the more celebrated chapters in recent club history. The Rams are now into their second season back in the Championship following that promotion, and their goalkeeping situation has evolved accordingly. Wildsmith's departure having helped secure the club's return to the second tier is a natural conclusion to that chapter.

His record at Pride Park, particularly that golden glove, will be remembered warmly by supporters who watched Derby navigate what was at times a tense run-in. The fact that he moves on having not made a single Championship appearance with the club since their promotion underlines how quickly a squad can turn over between divisions.

Wildsmith will now look to re-establish himself as a first-team regular at League One level, where his experience of 172 EFL appearances should make him a dependable option for the Chairboys as they manage a difficult period off the pitch.

Frequently asked

Why did Joe Wildsmith leave Derby County?
Wildsmith left Derby at the end of his contract and had a brief spell at Middlesbrough without making an appearance before signing for Wycombe Wanderers on a free transfer.
What did Joe Wildsmith win at Derby County?
Wildsmith helped Derby win promotion from League One and claimed the golden glove award for the most clean sheets during the 2023-24 season.
Which clubs has Joe Wildsmith played for in the EFL?
Wildsmith has made 172 EFL appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, West Bromwich Albion, Barnsley and Middlesbrough before joining Wycombe Wanderers.