Weimann ‘Can’t Wait To Get Started’ Back At Derby

For Andreas Weimann, Thursday’s return to the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby was his first since the middle of January.

The 25-year-old Austrian linked up with Derby County’s fellow Sky Bet Championship rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan until the end of the 2016/17 campaign, after finding his game time limited at Pride Park Stadium.

He made 21 appearances during that period, scoring three goals, and now he is looking to prove himself to Gary Rowett and force himself into the Rams’ plans moving forward.

“I really enjoyed it at Wolves,” Weimann told RamsTV after arriving at the Training Centre for the first day of pre-season.

“I played nearly every game and that was my main aim when I went there.

“From that perspective, it was really good but now I’m happy to be back here and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”

He added: “I am definitely looking forward to being back for the new season ahead.

“We’ve got a new manager here and whilst I hadn't met him before today, I’m sure we'll have a conversation. I just can’t wait to get back out there.

“I’ll try and get through pre-season! Obviously, every player will say that they prefer playing games but you need pre-season and I think I’m one of the players who can run around a bit, so hopefully I’ll be alright!”

Like the rest of the Derby camp, Weimann was given his own personalised off-season schedule to work through to ensure he was ready to hit the ground running.

Away from the workload and football, the summer has been busy for a whole different reason too.

The wideman tied the knot to long-term partner Jennifer in Portugal before returning to Derby, becoming the third Ram to get married over the last month alongside Jacob Butterfield and Craig Bryson.

Weimann added: “It’s still all a bit new because it was only the weekend just gone that I got married, but it was a brilliant day and I really enjoyed it.

“The summer, as a whole, has been quite busy.

“Everyone was sent away with a programme to do so that all the player can stay as fit as possible.

“I have had a good weekend to finish the summer off and now I am ready to get my teeth into what is to come.”