On 28 May 2009, it was announced that Espanyol were interested in signing him, and Fotheringham joined Espanyol for a week-long trial in June 2009. Derby County manager Nigel Clough then offered Fotheringham the chance to join Derby for pre-season training, which Fotheringham accepted, and joined Derby on trial in July 2009.
On May 28, 2009, Espanyol expressed interest in signing him. In June 2009, Fotheringham participated in a one-week trial at Espanyol. Subsequently, Derby County's manager Nigel Clough provided Fotheringham with an opportunity to join for pre-season training, which he accepted and joined Derby on trial in July 2009.