JAKE Buxton says his dramatic winning goal against rivals Nottingham Forest a year ago changed his life.
The 28-year-old defender felt he might be on his way out of Derby County - but the Forest game proved the turning point in his career.
This week, Buxton signed a new two-year contract with the Rams until the summer of 2015.
But as he spoke of his delight, he also recalled the night in March last year when his fortunes changed.
Buxton came off the bench to replace the injured Shaun Barker and his header in the fourth minute of stoppage time sank Forest at Pride Park.
"I needed that goal against Forest," said Buxton.
"I was out of contract that summer and my playing time in the first team had been limited, so scoring against Forest put me back in the frame.
"The goal changed my life massively."
Injury restricted Buxton to only one appearance in 2010-11 and he had made only two starts in 2011-12 before the Forest clash.
Buxton admits he needed to be playing and he thought he might have to leave the club to find regular first-team football.
"I was coming to an age where I needed to be playing regularly," he said.
"It was getting to a time when, as much as I love this club and as much as I wanted to be with the manager, for my career to take the next step I needed to go and play somewhere.
"Luckily, I scored that goal.
"Unluckily for Shaun, we needed another centre-half due to his injury and I got the chance.
"It was the turning point of my career here."
Buxton started the final 10 games of last season and he has made 27 appearances this season. He has partnered skipper Richard Keogh at centre-back in the last seven games.
Buxton still had 14 months to run on his contract. He says he was surprised when the club spoke to him about a new deal.
"I didn't really expect it," he said.
"I was grateful, and I was delighted to put pen to paper. I am happy here.
"It is nice to be recognised for my performances and, hopefully, I can keep my shirt for as long as possible.
"I am happy to be a part of what we are trying to build and, in the long-term, it will be successful."
The goal against Forest was one of eight scored by Buxton in 75 games for Derby.
