‘I’ve Got A Positive Feeling’

Chris Martin has described himself as happy to be back at Derby County – and he’s got a positive feeling about the season ahead.

The 28-year-old striker reported back for pre-season training with the Rams this morning after spending the vast majority of the 2016/17 campaign on loan at fellow Sky Bet Championship side Fulham.

The Scotland international wasn’t due to check in with Gary Rowett’s squad until next week’s training camp in Tenerife as a result of his international commitments during the summer.

However, he was at the Training Centre on Thursday morning for the first official day of pre-season.

Martin joined Derby from Norwich City in 2013, initially on loan before signing a permanent deal ahead of the 2013/14 season.

He has made 160 appearances for Derby and scored on 63 occasions, of which 25 came in 2013/14 as Derby reached the Championship’s Play-Off Final.

Martin is looking forward to adding more games and goals to that total under Gary Rowett, having penned a new deal with the Rams earlier in the calendar year until 2020 whilst he was with the Cottagers.

He’s excited to work alongside Rowett and feels that Derby have ‘a right chance’ of being successful in 2017/18.

Martin told RamsTV: “I am looking forward to it (pre-season).

“It’s been an up and down ride for me over the last few months but I am glad to be back in and can’t wait to get started.

“It does (feel like a fresh start) and I’ve got a positive feeling about it.

“I know most people say that when they come back ahead of the new season but coming back here, I am really looking forward to it.”

He added: “It has been well publicised what’s gone on (spending last season on loan at Fulham) but I didn’t imagine myself coming in last pre-season with what would happen after that; I only saw myself being here.

“It was very strange but I am now looking forward to adding to my Derby County goals total.

“I’ve had a fantastic time at the football club up to this point; we haven’t been as successful as we would have liked to have been – but I think we’ll have a right chance this season.”

Martin held discussions with Rowett towards the end of the last season over the phone to discuss his future.

He says he’s keen to learn more about his plans for Derby moving forwards over the course of pre-season.

Martin is also braced for what Rowett has planned and pushing his body to the limit.

“It’ll be interesting to meet the new manager and learn what he’s about as well,” he said.

“I had a few chats with him a few months ago so I am looking forward to seeing his ideas on the training field.

“There’s also the pain he’s going to put us through in pre-season too; I am sure there’s a bit of that.

“This is my eleventh pre-season; it’s not my strong point but I am well aware of what goes on.

“We have to push our bodies to the limit and make sure we’re ready for the start of the season.”

He added: “I’ve had a few weeks off having had the play-offs with Fulham and then the massive game against England with Scotland.

“To be honest I’ve had some time to relax but once pre-season closes in you want to get started.”