NEW SIGNING INTERVIEW: Weimann raring to go after making Rams return

Andi Weimann praised Derby County’s ‘brilliant’ environment after he became a Ram for the second time.

The attacker has returned to Derby after previously being on the books from 2015 until 2018, after signing from Aston Villa. He made 88 appearances in black and white in his first stint at the club and will return with a host more experience in the second tier to his name.

In the seven years since leaving Pride Park Stadium, the versatile forward has played over 200 times for Bristol City, where he scored 51 times and provided 29 assists for the Robins.

The Austrian international also worked under current Rams boss John Eustace at Blackburn Rovers last season and has become the Head Coach’s third signing of the summer.

Weimann spoke to RamsTVat Moor Farm Training Centre after signing on the dotted line.

On returning to the Rams…

I'm happy to be back. I’m delighted to get it over the line now and I am ready to crack on. I signed 10 years ago, and I left seven years ago. I had some good times, definitely, and I enjoyed my time here. Obviously, there were some disappointments because we lost in the play-offs twice, so maybe I've got a little bit to point to prove here.

On why he chose Derby...

There are a couple of factors, to be honest. One is the gaffer. I loved working with him last year. I've obviously known him for a long time; I played with him at Watford when I was 19. Last year was the first time I worked with him [as a Head Coach]. I loved it, and working with his staff as well. I enjoyed working with them. As someone around the training ground or the squad and everyone else involved, it's brilliant. It was a big part of my coming here again and wanting to work with him for a bit longer.

[My role is] similar to last season, I'm one of the more experienced players now. I'm nearly 34, so I've been around a long time, and I feel he likes what I can bring on the pitch, but just as much off the pitch. I'd like to say I'm a good lad around the place; I think he liked that last year.

On his first spell with the club…

When I came here, it was little bit harder than I thought it would be, just because it was my first move from Aston Villa. It was a change of scenery, it was a different league. Maybe I didn't expect it to be as tough as I thought.

I've improved as a player, and with my confidence, from when I left here and signed for Bristol City. I started playing in my preferred position and I've done that for the last six or seven years. I've been scoring goals and been playing games in that position, and believe I'm a better player now than I was in my first spell here.