Defender Richard Stearman admitted it was an easy decision to re-sign for Derby County for another season.
The 34-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a one-year contract extension after joining the club last summer following his release from Huddersfield Town.
Whilst his appearances were restricted to just 15 last season, he was a big part of the fabrics of the club on and off the field as the Rams fought bravely against relegation to Sky Bet League One.
The club fell just short in that fight but the defender, speaking to RamsTV, knows he has a crucial role to play in the squad this season as Derby prepare for the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
On Extending His Derby Stay…
I’m delighted to get it done. It was a very easy decision for me to sign up again and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead now. I feel privileged to be a part of the squad last season, represent Wayne Rooney and Liam Rosenior and be part of this community and club. It was a simple decision for me to want to do it all over again. It’s exciting how it’s all coming together now. We have some players coming in through the door, so everyone is excited and looking forward to the season ahead.
On Last Season…
It was incredible to be part of it. It’s incredibly rare that a fanbase stick with you throughout what we had to experience as a collective. It could have been easy for them to stay away, but they didn’t. They came in their incredible numbers which spurred us on and with the way season ticket sales are going, it’s going to be another exciting year for us.
On The New Additions To The Squad…
Even from the first week of pre-season to this week, the level of training has just gone up ten fold with the players who have come through the door. I know Liam Rosenior and Pete Shuttleworth have been working extremely hard throughout the summer to ensure that we can get the quality in the building that can give us a chance of promotion. I had a quiet word with Didzy (David McGoldrick) over the summer and twisted his arm to come to us, which it didn’t particularly need twisting. It’s great to see not only some very good players come through the door, but some good lads as well which is half the battle if you are trying to do something successful.
On Pre-Season So Far…
It’s not my first one; I’ve had quite a few but it’s been enjoyable. It’s great to get back in the building and work hard. Liam Rosenior has put on some fantastic sessions and the standard has gone through the roof since the first session that we had.
On His Role In The Squad This Season…
I’m realistic at where I am in my career. I know I might not be the first name on the teamsheet but I think my strengths lie not just in the matchday squad. It can be hard to see for some people that aren’t in it because you only get to see us for 90 minutes in a week but there is a lot that goes into trying to create a successful team. There is the culture of the club, the standards that need to be met every day and I feel as though they play into my strengths. If I am in or out of the team, I will try and continue to make sure we are as ready and prepared to pick up three points. It’s great to be back.
