Tom Ince has returned to the iPro to finish what he started after the Rams narrowly slipped from a top six finish last season and saw their play-off hopes hit a new low just when they thought last years’ saga was as devastating as it gets.
Former Hull youngster, Ince, was a beacon of hope upon his arrival, netting on 11 occasions in 18 appearances but he alone was unable to keep the Rams clinging on to the final spot with other teammates failing to turn up so to speak on the penultimate day of the campaign.
The climax saw the likes of Darren Bent ineffective as Reading's Adam Federici denied him from the penalty spot unlike his teammate who continued to launch balls into the box, shoot from range and deliver superb set pieces as he had done during his short stay. Amongst other factors, this earned the shot-stopper a deal with Premier League newcomers, Bournemouth.
However, he can not stand in Derby’s way as they go in search of the promised land and make it third time lucky in their promotion push under Paul Clement.
"Nice Feeling"
The 23-year-old in particular has eyes only for the top tier. On the official club website, he spoke of the "nice feeling" he harboured at being back at the Championship outfit. Describing last term's decline in form as "unfortunate," he humbled the Rams faithful by divulging that despite his brief spell the place "felt like home really quickly."
Rocking the boat due to his hefty transfer fee that smashed the clubs record, it will be a figure justified to the supporters after Ince also added that he was so ‘desperate’ to complete the move as Derby is ‘a special team’ and ‘a special club.’
Ince Looking To Improve
Everyone pitched in though when it came to bringing the player in from his parent club with the players, staff, and fans alike ensuring he ‘felt welcome.’ Additionally, the opportunity to work alongside Clement and Peacock was a ‘huge pull’ for Ince who will look to only improve under him despite most likely having different philosophies to Steve McClaren. Tom has already identified the ‘change’ about the place himself.
He will have a greater chance of first team football in the top tier with Derby than he’s had with the Tigers in a disappointing season for them and himself as a Hull City player. His desire to come up against some of the European giants that inhabit the Premier League was revealed in the interview with the winger having already had ‘a lot of experience’ in the second level of English football.
Not only will the £4.75million recruit be hoping to ‘kick on’ on behalf of the club but personally also, having previously been awarded May’s Player of the Month in the second division, Ince will wish for more of that.