3/1 To Win
Andreas Weimann is viewing his move to Derby County from Aston Villa as a fresh challenge – and he can’t wait to get started.
Andreas Weimann is viewing his move to Derby County from Aston Villa as a fresh challenge – and he can’t wait to get started.
The 23-year-old completed the formalities of his move from the Barclays Premier League outfit this afternoon, signing a four-year deal after an undisclosed fee was agreed for his services.
After spending eight years of his career at Villa Park, Weimann feels that he will benefit from a fresh start.
The Austrian international forward has quickly revealed his desire to help Derby in their quest to return to the top flight.
Weimann told Rams Player: “I’m excited to be here and I’m looking forward to the new challenge.
“Derby has plans to be successful and get promoted and that’s what attracted me here; I want to be part of that.
“The opportunity to play first-team football and drive the team to promotion is something that I want to do.
“I know how difficult the Championship is - I’ve played in the league on loan at Watford a few years ago - and it was a tough league back then.
“With the set-up here and the players we have – and those that we are looking to sign – I feel that we have a good chance to get promoted.”
He added: “I’ve had chats with the Head Coach and people around the club and it seems it’s an exciting time for Derby County.”
Weimann looks back on his time at Villa fondly, after moving to the club at the age of 15.
He made 129 appearances for the West Midlands outfit but, after falling out of favour in the second half of last season under new manager Tim Sherwood, he felt now was the time to move on to pastures new.
After fulfilling a dream of playing in the Premier League at Villa Park, he is eager to reach the top flight again in a Derby shirt.
“I was at Aston Villa for eight years so I’m looking forward to this new stage in my career although it will be a bit strange not being there.
“Eight years is a long time, especially in football, so maybe a change will do me good and get me started again.
“I moved over at the age of 15 from Austria and obviously it was hard at first leaving home to move to England, but settled in quite well after a few months.
“I enjoyed playing for Aston Villa and they are a massive club in England, so it wasn’t a hard decision to join the club.
“Playing in the Premier League was an aim of mine so I was delighted to achieve that, hopefully I can do it at Derby County as well.”
When Weimann reports back for pre-season training with Derby later this month, he will see a familiar face in the dressing room in the form of Darren Bent.
The 31-year-old striker joined the Rams on a permanent basis last week following an impressive loan spell at the iPro Stadium during the second half last season.
Weimann is convinced that Bent will continue to find the back of the net in the coming season.
He said: “I know Darren from my time at Aston Villa and I think that he is a really good signing for Derby.
“I haven’t spoken to him about the club as I guess he is away on his holiday at the moment and I didn’t want to disturb him.
“He did really well on loan here last season and wherever he plays, he scores goals.
“I am not shocked that he did so well at Derby and I am sure he will score loads of goals next season as well.”
