New Stoke City boss Gary Rowett has claimed that it has always been his dream to manage in the Premier League, and is aiming for promotion back to the top tier with the Potters.
Rowett led Derby to a Championship Playoff semi-final last campaign before the Rams were knocked out by Fulham after a 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage in the second leg.
He joined County in 2017 after being harshly sacked by Birmingham City.
He gained plaudits for his work at Pride Park, and is now taking the next step in his managerial career with Stoke.
Speaking to the club website, he said: “This has come around quite quickly, but I am absolutely delighted to make the move to such an ambitious football club.
“My ambition has always been to one day manage in the Premier League, and having been in the Championship for three years now I feel this is a great opportunity for me to do that.
“The Championship is a unique league and there are certain elements that you need if you are to be successful.”
Stoke parted company with Paul Lambert at the end of the Premier League season as the former Wolves boss was unable to save them from the drop.
However, Rowett is confident that he can get the club back where it belongs.
“You have to be ready to match the quality of opponents too because the standard of this league has gone up enormously.” He said.
“We have to make sure that the guys who report back for the first day of pre-season first and foremost want to be at Stoke City, and that they are willing to put in the desire and effort, that not only I want, but what Stoke City and the supporters of this Club want as well.”