Thu 15 Jan
Time to read: 3mins
Experienced full back puts pen-to-paper on an 18-month deal to become Derby County's latest signing of the January transfer window
Experienced full back puts pen-to-paper on an 18-month deal to become Derby County's latest signing of the January transfer window
STEPHEN WARNOCK is hoping that his experience will prove valuable to Derby County’s promotion push after becoming the Club’s latest signing of the January window today.
The 33-year-old full back has put pen to paper on an 18-month contract to complete his move to the iPro Stadium from Derby’s fellow Sky Bet Championship rivals, Leeds United, for an undisclosed deal.
After reeling off a list of reasons why the move to the Rams was an easy choice, the experienced defender highlighted the influence of Steve McClaren as the standout incentive.
Whilst he has joined the Club to play games, Warnock, a two-time England international, says his move to Derby represents a chance to continue to improve his game and gain further experience that will benefit him in the future.
Speaking to Rams Player, he said: “It’s been a long couple of days and a lot of time has been spent waiting around wondering what the next step is going to be.
“I am very pleased to get the deal over line and I’m glad to be joining such a great club.
“I found out quite quickly that the Club wanted me and from there, it was really an easy decision.
“With the way the team is playing, the style of football that they play and what they are trying to do to get out of this division made it very appealing.
“The facilities are first class, but probably the biggest pull out of the lot was the Head Coach.
“I have spoken to a lot of people about him and they only praise him for how good a coach he is. It’s a great opportunity to work with someone like that.
“I know Zak Whitbread who is here and he spoke very highly of him. Everybody has got nothing but praise for him for how he approaches the game and his man management skills.
“At this stage of my career, it’s a move that gives me the chance to learn off new people and continue to improve and, potentially, take that into coaching or management in the future.”
Whilst McClaren’s latest addition to the squad adds further strength in depth to his full back options, Warnock’s arrival adds vital know how to what is still considered a relatively young squad.
A former Captain at Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and during his final few months at Leeds, Warnock is looking to pass on his experience to aid in the second half of the Rams’ push for promotion to the Barclays Premier League.
He added: “When I met the Head Coach, one of the first things he stressed was how important it was to come in with a positive attitude.
“I am here to help the players. I’m classed as a senior player now at my age and hopefully I can come with a bit of experience and help people along.
“I was Captain at Leeds and it is always a great honour to be a Captain of such a big club like that.
“I have been a Captain at Blackburn and (Aston) Villa so it is something that is seen within me.
“I want to bring that experience to this squad and help people out. When you get to a certain age, you have got to try and pass on that experience.”
