There's nothing like having an experienced head in the ranks, and in Michael Johnson the Rams have one of the wisest around.

Johnson arrived at the club in August 2003 from Birmingham City and immediately set about the task of helping keep the Rams up that season.

He quickly became a popular figure as Derby achieved their goal with a series of fine performances, and an unquenchable appetite for a strong tackle.

As Derby went from fourth-bottom to fourth-top the following season, Johnson was again a key figure and took over the captain's armband on a number of occasions in the play-off race.

Johnson's experience was once again vital during a difficult 2005/06 on and off the field.

He helped nurture the development of youngster Lewin Nyatanga, and even a switch to left-back for much of the second half of the campaign caused him no concerns.

Johnson was named club captain early in the 2006/07 campaign and he also played a major role on the field as Derby returned to the top-flight.

A hamstring injury ruled him out of most of the promotion run-in and although he wasn't part of the matchday 16 at Wembley, he lifted the play-off final trophy jointly with team skipper Matt Oakley to crown a remarkable success.

Before moving to Pride Park, Johnson had come through the ranks at Notts County and then moved on to Birmingham City in 1995, where he gained experience of playing in the Premiership and Carling Cup final.

Though born in Nottingham, Johnson is a former Jamaican international.

He is also a life-long Nottingham Forest fan, but is as committed a player as you will see in a Derby County shirt.

Johnson went out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday for three months but returned just before Christmas and was soon thrust back into Premier League action.

He was named on the bench for the Boxing Day encounter with Liverpool but an early injury to Stephen Pearson saw him thrown straight on.

Two more Premier League appearances followed, along with an FA Cup outing against Sheffield Wednesday, before he headed back to Notts County on a loan deal until May 3.

Johnson is a legend at Meadow Lane and played a key role in ensuring the Magpies held on to their Football League status.

LAST UPDATED: May 8 2008.

PHOTO GALLERY