Graeme Shinnie checked in for his first day as a Derby County player on Monday – and he’s desperate to make his mark.


The 27-year-old penned a pre-contract agreement with Derby earlier in the summer as his deal with Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen reached its conclusion.

The midfielder was a sought-after player both in his homeland and in England after establishing himself as a key player with the Dons in recent years.

The Rams’ players reported back for pre-season training on Monday to begin preparations for the 2019/20 season.

Shinnie is relishing the prospect of heading to America with the squad later this week for a 10-day training camp to get to know his new team-mates even more.


He told RamsTV: “The first few days of pre-season are always about trying to find your feet and see how everything works.

“I have never been at a training ground with the two clubs that I have had in my career so it is a new experience for me.

“It’s a good dressing room from what I hear and I can see that from being in early doors on Monday too.”


He added: “I’ve been chatting away to plenty of the boys so the more I’m here, the more I’ll find out about people and get to know them.

“The pre-season camp in America will be good because we will spend a lot of time with each other, so I’m looking forward to it.”


Shinnie, as Aberdeen’s captain, was the heartbeat of their side.

A leader on and off the pitch, his displays in the middle of the park resulted in him being an instrumental figure under Derek McInnes.

However, he is now looking to bring his qualities from the Scottish top-flight to the Championship as he steps into English football for the first time.

He said: “I like to wear my heart on my sleeve, get stuck in as much as I can, try and drive the team forward, play with a real passion.

“I have been a captain at Aberdeen and Inverness so that style of play is how I play. I like to try to chip in with goals and assists as much as I can.

“I’m wanting to establish myself in the team first and foremost.

“I know how tough that will be due to the calibre of players that are here so that’s my first protocol, to try and impress and get in the team - and then I want to show the fans what I have got.”

Shinnie has revealed that he feels the time is right to try and make his mark in English football.

He had the opportunity earlier in his career when moving to Aberdeen from Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The timing, though, wasn’t quite right for him.

He is clearly enthused by his new challenge and has revealed his ambition to be competing for a place in the Premier League.


He explained: “I moved from Inverness to Aberdeen and at that point I had an opportunity to come down here but at that time of my life and career, but I felt like Aberdeen was the right choice for me.

“Having done my time there, it definitely was, but I always had one eye on coming down here.

“Everyone in Scotland has an eye on coming down here and you always want to test yourself. My brother plays at Luton Town, so he’s told me about the football down here.

“I’ve watched games in England and seen the atmospheres down here so there are a lot of reasons why I want to come here.

“I want to test myself. I wanted to come to a club that is wanting to push for promotion to the Premier League. Everything is exciting and that’s what made me want to sign.”