Defender Callum Elder says Derby County need to start stamping their authority on Sky Bet League One after getting the opening stages of the 2023/24 campaign under their belts.
The Rams return to action on Saturday following the conclusion of the international break and face a tough test against an unbeaten Portsmouth side.
Elder sat down with RamsTV on Thursday morning to give his pre-match thoughts ahead of the side's return to Pride Park Stadium for the first time in a month.
On whether Derby feels like home now...
Yes, definitely. I said when I'd first signed that I was walking into a group in that changing room that are experienced and a group of winners. They see a goal we can all get to collectively, staff and players, so it's been a really easy transition.
We've got through the first bedding in period now and we're looking to progress and create a good foothold in the league now and build on the work we've done so far.
On the difference between his previous loan spells and moving on a permanent basis...
You learn quick especially on loan spells that you're going into someone else's environment so you need to display a character where you're open to getting to know new people and working with them to achieve common goals so it was no different here at Derby. It's been a pretty seamless transition and I'm loving my time here.
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On the environment in the dressing room...
It's a bit of everything to be honest. We all know what we're here for and that's to get the club higher up in the league and into the league above. We all know that's our role and that's our goal but you've got to create an environment that allows you to get there. That environment is certainly there.
It's a good atmosphere, you walk into a changing room that is positive and I think the biggest compliment about it is that everyone knows each others strengths so we all believe in each other and the fact we've got that real tight link group can help us achieve our goals.
On the international break...
It came at a good time to be fair. We've got through the first block and we were able to sit down and look at the areas we fell short on. It's allowed the coaching staff to implement their ideas on where they think we can improve and we've had a good block of training and hopefully this block will be pivotal.
On what he does in his spare time...
I love my golf. We had a day where the staff and players went out last week after training to play a round and that was important. The staff love their golf as well.
On whether he's a fan of all sports...
It's something you're embedded with from a real young age. I think it's just because Australia are competitive in nearly all sports they compete in. Even individual, two-team sports, you're looking at the best tennis players, your athletes at the Olympics and the Rugby World Cup is on at the minute.
Sport has always been a big part of my life from a young age and I think it always will be. I love all sport and I'll always keep an eye on to see how Australia are doing.
It was always football but in Australia you are exposed to go down any route, the opportunity is there for you. I played cricket in summer and football in winter, that was sort of my yearly rota but it was always football as I got older. As you get older you can only really play in one sport and you need to dedicate your time to one, that was football.
On Saturday's clash with Portsmouth...
If we were to reflect on some of the games this season, in crucial moments we've nearly been there and the manager has spoke to us multiple times to reiterate the point that this is the here and now. We have the opportunity to do something really good but we need to stamp our authority now, not in one month or three months.
As we move forward we need to stamp our authority on this league. We've got a great group of players, a great coaching staff. We are all in it together and now is an important time to show our qualities and strengths in the division.
