Derby County have confirmed the appointment of ex-midfield player Inigo Idiakez as their new First Team Coach. He re-joins the Championship club having played just under 100 times for them just over ten years ago.
The Spaniard makes the move from Premier League champions Leicester City, where he had been working as a Development Coach. Idiakez will now work closely with manager Nigel Pearson, as well as coaches Chris Powell, Kevin Phillips and Pascal Zuberuhler.
The 42-year-old played a total of 96 matches for the Rams between 2004 and 2006. He was named Player of the Year in his first season as the club lost in the play-off semi-final.
Speaking on the news of his appointment, Idiakez says it is great to be back at the iPro Stadium,
“I am where I want to be, which is working at this football club again.
“Three years ago, I signed a contract with Leicester City in the Academy, but this is a great opportunity for me to come here and develop as a coach as well as learn from Nigel (Pearson) and Chris (Powell).
“I felt that it was time for a change and I now have this great opportunity because of Nigel.
“I have missed Derby County and I always said that this is my club and I have that feeling at the moment that I am back at home.”
Equally, boss Pearson was just as glad to bring him back to the club, saying he has a lot to offer as a coach,
“I’m delighted to welcome Inigo Idiakez onto my coaching staff.
“He will bring different ideas and different coaching methods to what we’ve already got here on the staff – and I think that’s important for us.
“He was a popular here as a player, but that is not why we’ve brought him back, it’s because he is a very good coach. He’s somebody I’ve worked with as a player at Southampton and as a coach at Leicester City.”
