Savage in good books at Pride Park

Savage in good books at Pride Park

New Rams captain Robbie Savage was grateful for the reception he received from the Rams faithful in his debut against Wigan at Pride Park on Saturday.

Savage went into the game with a little pessimism and was worried the Rams supporters would not forgive him for his antics against the Rams as a Leicester City player but was loudly cheered when his name was read out, and the noise was deafening when he led the side out on to the pitch.

He told the Derby Evening Telegraph: 'I was delighted by the reception - it was unbelievable. The fans were fantastic, I didn't expect that.

'I was worried. In the car with my wife, I was a bit nervous. But I was delighted and to be made captain as well was an honour.

'It's a long term plan and we're looking at next year. We need a bit of confidence back, which is hard, but the lads are a good bunch, a great bunch. But they are quite down at the minute.'

Savage had struggled for a starting spot at Blackburn Rovers and his £1.5m move to Pride Park meant Saturday was his first game since December 12, when he played the full 120 minutes for Blackburn Rovers in their 3-2 Carling Cup extra-time defeat by Arsenal.

'I was tired towards the end and I probably won't get my full fitness for another three or four weeks yet,' added Savage.

'But just playing with the boys, playing Premier League football week in, week out at the minute is a great achievement. We have to enjoy the games as they come along.

'Laurent Robert hasn't been playing, Hossam Ghaly hasn't played since I don't know when, there's myself so, yes, we're lacking fitness but you've got to improve as a squad. I think it's a long-term plan," commented the Welshman