Jack Marriott signed for Peterborough United for Luton Town and it came as a bit of a surprise to some. The striker hadn’t been especially prolific for The Hatters, but Peterborough have this knack for finding the right strikers for them who they know they can turn into goal scoring machines, and Jack Marriott was no different to the likes of Dwight Gayle and Britt Assombalonga in that respect.
After signing for The Posh, Marriott went on to make 56 appearances in all competitions lasts season and scored an incredible 33 times. The 23-year-old has the potential to surpass those who have gone before him in terms of achievements and playing at the highest level according to Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony, with Marriott’s departure from League One Peterborough this summer inevitable.
Marriott was said to be the number one target for new Derby County boss Frank Lampard right from the off, and he finally got his man after a somewhat protracted chase which saw numerous bids rejected. So, with Marriott now through the door, what can Derby fans expect from their new signing this season? Well, the first thing is of course goals. He stepped up from League Two to League One brilliantly last season and there’s nothing to suggest Marriott will struggle in the Championship.
The former Ipswich town man has the pace, composure, finishing ability and the knack of always being in the right place at the right time and these attributes should see him take to the division like a duck to water. Derby also have plenty of players who can provide the ammo for Marriott too, and if he gets the service he will deliver in front of goal, just as he did with Marcus Maddison providing the ammo at Peterborough last season.
Darragh MacAnthony and Posh manager Steve Evans have also spoken about how professional Marriott is too, with him often being the first one arriving at training and the last one to leave. His desire to learn is a big plus for The Rams and with experienced striker such as Chris Martin, David Nugent and Cameron Jerome at the club, he’s sure to pick up a thing or two along the way to improve his game.
Most successful teams need a goal scorer, and in Jack Marriott, Derby have one. Last season’s top scorer Matej Vydra is still at the club following a breakdown in his move to Leeds United, so could we see Marriott leading the line with Vydra just behind him in the hole this season? This would undoubtedly become one of the Championship’s most feared strike forces this season, with both players capable of hitting 20 goals each. Just by reading commentary from sports site Betting.com, it seems pretty obvious that we can expect exciting and attacking football from Derby. Frank Lampard must be licking his lips at the plethora of attacking talent at his disposal and it should help Derby and their new manager enjoy a great season, with promotion the aim once again.