Derby County manager Gary Rowett has predicted that the Rams will have a “hectic” end to the transfer window, as he looks to set his side up for another promotion challenge.
In an interview with BBC Radio Derby, Rowett said that he has not delved into the transfer market as much as he would have liked this summer. The former Birmingham boss said:
“We’re moving as quickly as we can. We want to reinvigorate and get a different feel in the squad.”
“People would say things still feel very similar and that’s because we haven’t been able to do as much work in the transfer market as we’d have liked.”
So far this summer, the Rams have brought in Curtis Davies and Tom Huddlestone on cut-price deals from relegated Hull City, whilst right-back Andre Wisdom has returned to Pride Park, where he spent the 2013-14 season on loan. Leicester winger Tom Lawrence is also widely expected to join Rowett’s men today for a fee which could rise to £7 million.
Meanwhile, Will Hughes and Tom Ince have departed for the Premier League, joining Watford and newly-promoted Huddersfield Town respectively. Right-back Cyrus Christie has signed for Championship rivals Middlesbrough, whilst Abdoul Camara has returned to France, following a disappointing spell at Pride Park.
Nevertheless, Rowett still believes that the Rams’ transfer activity has not ceased:
“I still believe there will be a hectic spell to this window. It has been frustrating but it’s not an easy market.”
“I don’t want to be saying the same things in two months’ time that people have been saying for two or three years – we want to try to change things and to look different.”
Derby County host Alex Neil’s Preston North End tonight, as the Rams look to pick up their first victory of the new season.
