INTERVIEW: Thompson ‘over the moon’ to be remaining a Ram

Liam Thompson has made his feelings abundantly clear after committing his future to Derby County.

The Academy graduate put pen-to-paper on a new two-year contract until the summer of 2027 earlier this month, after seeing his previous deal come to an end, and extend his association with the club.

Thompson, who is 23, was a key player under Head Coach John Eustace in the closing months of the 2024/25 season as Derby’s fine form saw the team claw themselves out of Sky Bet Championship’s relegation zone and to safety.

He played 31 times in all competitions during the campaign, but it was under Eustace from March onwards that the energetic midfielder firmly established himself in the side.

It was during his run in the side that Thompson made his 100th senior appearance for the club in the 3-2 victory at Plymouth Argyle in March.

After signing his new deal, Thompson was quick to admit there was nowhere else he would rather be playing his football.

Speaking to RamsTV at Derby’s training camp in Austria, Thompson said: “It meant everything to me to get the new deal signed.

“It is home and the club I love. This is where I want to play my football and the gaffer has been incredible since he came in with everyone.

“It is an important time for me, and I feel like I can kick-start my career. I am really excited and over the moon to be staying.”

He added: “We have new challenges ahead now and a new season, especially with the gaffer bringing in new players and the ones he wants.

“I want to kick on now from the back end of last season. Under the gaffer, I know I can develop and certainly get better. There’s nowhere else I’d rather play my football.”

Derby’s squad flew out to their training camp in Austria on Monday as part of their first pre-season under Eustace and his trusted staff, after reporting back for duty at the end of June.

While there are clear opportunities for the squad to bond and form a team spirit that will be integral during the forthcoming campaign, it has also been a key time for hard work on the grass.

Reviewing the camp so far, Thompson said: “It has been enjoyable. It has of course been tough, but also fun to get to know the new lads that have come in and be a different environment.

“A key message from the gaffer and the staff is very much about togetherness. Trips like this have us as a group and the staff together and getting that bond.

“It is important. If you can get that right and nailed down, you can see that out on the pitch.”

He added: “We know we have to do our work in the right way and get to know each other too, as well as being respectful and ourselves.”

Derby will conclude their week in Austria with a pre-season friendly against Austrian top-flight side FC Red Bull Salzburg on Friday evening (6pm kick-off local time, 5pm BST).

The Red Bulls were most recently in the United States taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they faced off against C.F. Pachuca from Mexico, Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Spanish giants Real Madrid in the group stages.

The game will take place at 28 Black-Arena Nonntal, which is the home of Salzburger AK 1914.

Thompson believes coming up against a side that is competing in the UEFA Champions League play-offs next week, when they take on Norwegian outfit SK Brann, is a perfect test for Derby.