3/1 To Win
Justin Walker believes there is a good energy around Derby County’s squad as preparations for the 2021/22 Sky Bet Championship season continue.
Derby’s players are spending this week at a training base in the south east of England ahead of Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Manchester United at Pride Park Stadium (1pm kick-off).
Wayne Rooney’s squad reported back for pre-season training at the start of July and there is a fresh look to the group.
Several players, at the end of their contracts or loan agreements, have moved on to pastures new and Rooney is currently assessing several free agents in training as he looks to build his own squad.
Walker, who holds the position of First Team Development Coach on Rooney’s staff, has praised the players for their work on the training pitches - and especially at the training camp.
Speaking to RamsTV, Walker said: “We’ve had a great few days. The environment has been perfect for what we wanted; we are together, and the players are away from any distractions in their lives.
“We’ve got a few new faces in the group, around six or seven, and this has given them a chance to spend time with the players that were already here too.
“Pre-season is normally a busy time, and the players understand the work that needs to be done and, to be honest, it has been really enjoyable.
“We’ve done a lot of the work through football, because that what it is all about. A lot of the physical outcomes we have been working towards have had a ball involved.
“The players have been fantastic with their attitude and application. There’s a good feeling and energy around.”
He added: “They’ve all been very open to everything that we’ve done with them and there’s an attitude that we only want to get better and keep improving.”
There are a few faces at the training camp from the Rams’ Academy that supporters may not be accustomed to.
Under-23s midfielders Isaac Hutchinson and Liam Thompson have been working with the first team, as well as Under-18s full-back Dylan Williams.
Walker, who oversaw Derby’s Under-18s as they won the Under-18 Premier League title in 2018/19, says the youngsters have stepped up.
He said: “They have brought an awful lot of energy. The manager, having followed that route himself as a player, has been brilliant at giving opportunities to those youngsters coming through.
“No matter how old you are, it’s there to take the opportunity. A couple of the younger players have been absolutely outstanding to be honest and the manager has let them know individually.
“It’s not just about the manager and management staff, the senior players have been really good too taking them to one side.
“They’ve played a key role and we’re working together to improve. That’s the only way you can continue in football if you want to produce better results and it’s important to be together as one to make that happen.”
