3/1 To Win
Ben Hamer says he is relishing the prospect of competing for a place in Derby County’s starting line-up.
The goalkeeper yesterday completed the formalities of a season-long loan switch to Pride Park Stadium from fellow Sky Bet Championship rivals Huddersfield Town.
Hamer, who has over 300 career appearances and Premier League and Champions League experience on his CV, trained with his new team-mates for the first time this morning ahead of Saturday’s home fixture against Swansea City (3pm kick-off).
The 31-year-old is looking forward to linking up with fellow goalkeepers Kelle Roos and Jonathan Mitchell, as well as the Rams’ up-and-coming young goalkeepers, in challenging to be in Phillip Cocu’s side.
Speaking to RamsTV after putting pen-to-paper, Hamer said: “I got a call late on Wednesday evening that the move could be happening and it all went from there. I had already had a conversation with the people at Huddersfield and it was agreed that I’d go out on loan this season.
“I am so pleased that this situation has arose and I can’t wait to get started.
“I know a few of the lads anyway so I know it’s a good group and I am looking forward to getting settled in and challenging the lads that are already here.”
Hamer has spent the last five years in the Premier League with Leicester City and Huddersfield Town.
While the majority of that time saw him act as a number two, he believes he is all the better for the experience.
Now, though, in his latest challenge with the Rams he is looking forward to honing his skills under manager Phillip Cocu.
In particular, he is eager to develop under the guidance of Head Goalkeeping Coach Shay Given.
He said: “Like any player I always want to play and even when I don’t, I always try to be good around the place, be positive and give everything I’ve got.
“I understand we have good goalkeepers here and I want to be a challenge around the place. If the opportunity comes to play games, I’ll try and take it with both hands.
“It’s the nature of the beast with goalkeepers; only one of you can play. It doesn’t mean as guys that we can’t get on and I’ve always had healthy relationships with the goalkeepers I’ve worked with.
“I am sure we will all get on great with each other and push ourselves to get better every day. You are never too old to learn as a player and I certainly want to learn and get better."
He added: “On paper it’s so exciting for me to come in here and learn from these great people. I am looking to take full advantage of that.
“Shay Given had a colossal career and I am really looking forward to learning from him. It was a big draw for me to come and work under him and, of course, the manager. I don’t think there’s anyone better to learn from.”
Hamer was in the stands watching on as Derby got their 2019/20 Sky Bet Championship season off and running with a 2-1 win, ironically, at Huddersfield on Monday evening.
Tom Lawrence hit a brace to fire the Rams to victory in West Yorkshire and the shot-stopper was impressed with what he saw from his new side.
He said: “I was at the game on Monday and it was obviously a great start to the season from a Derby point of view.
“You always want to start with a win to get some early momentum. Hopefully we can build it on the next couple of weekends.”
On Derby’s second goal at the John Smith's Stadium, a fine team move rounded off by a moment of brilliance by Lawrence, Hamer added: “Everything about the goal was great to be honest.
“The chop inside from Tom and the finish, on his supposed weaker left foot, was great.
“I was pleased for Tom. I played with him for a short while during his time at Leicester City and fingers crossed he can maintain that early-season form.”
