3/1 To Win
Ikechi Anya admits he’s a footballer that loves pre-season.
Derby County’s first-team squad will report back for duty on Wednesday 28th June to begin preparations for the 2017/18 season.
From that point, Gary Rowett and his backroom staff will put the players through their paces ahead of the new Sky Bet Championship campaign.
It’s set to be a gruelling period for the Rams with Rowett placing a key emphasis on fitness and organistion.
Anya, who joined Derby from Watford last summer, says he’s relishing the prospect of getting down to work following the summer break.
The 29-year-old believes that although it may be a demanding period, it’s one which could ultimately prove to be beneficial in the long run.
“I love pre-season and I am one of those footballers that doesn’t mind it,” he told RamsTV.
“I enjoy it and like waking up and coming in.
“I am not a fan of the double sessions, I would prefer one long one, but it’s all money in the bank so to speak and I love working hard.
“You put the work in and I like the quote ‘the work you do in the dark will shine in the light’; as it is relevant to pre-season.
“We have to put in six weeks of hard work and that’s what we have to do if we want to go and have a successful season.”
Anya was part of the Watford side that achieved promotion to the Premier League in the 2014/15 campaign.
The Hornets stepped up to the top flight via the automatic route and the Scotland international knows what it takes to make the step up.
He feels that Rowett and his backroom staff, following their arrivals in March, are laying the foundations for what he hopes will be another crack at trying to reach the Premier League.
He said: “Pre-season is an important time; you can’t just think you’re going to get promoted – you have to go and make it happen.
“You need to have a plan. It’s like building a house, the foundations have to be in place and the manager has been working hard on that.
“I have only said positive things about the manager because they are true, not because I want to be in his team!
“We all want to go up. I spoke to supporters a lot last season and I know it is ten years since they were in the Premier League; we want to get there for ourselves and the fans.”
Anya is capable of playing in various positions across the side and since joining Derby he has been selected in both defence and midfield.
He has also seen his versatility utilised on the international stage with Scotland, performing at right-back in recent months during their 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign.
Despite at times not being able to cement a regular starting spot as a result of being regarded as a utility player, Anya is happy to contribute in any way he can.
He said: “I remember when I was younger and trying to nail down a position.
“I got some really good advice from Gianfranco Zola, who told me I would be limited to him if I was like that and playing an array of positions made me more valuable.
“I know it’s a catch 22 situation; you can be regarded as excellent in one position but not so in others – or someone that is good in a number of spots.
“I have always had an open mind in life and football. I’ll come in and try my best and if the gaffer sees me playing in a certain position or various ones, I’m happy either way.”
