Striker Lee Gregory is delighted to be a Derby County player after sealing a loan switch from fellow Sky Bet Championship side Stoke City until the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has joined up with the Rams for the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign and will add another option to Wayne Rooney’s striking options.
Gregory is experienced in the second tier of English football following spells with the Potters and formerly Millwall, where he spent five years.
He scored 77 times for the Lions during that time and sits eighth in their all-time top goalscorers list.
He has also netted seven goals for Stoke since signing as a free agent in the summer of 2019 and he is excited to link up with his new team-mates.
“I found out last night, so it was quick and when I knew Derby were interested I wanted to come straight away,” he told RamsTV. “It is a big club – a great club, great manager, a great set of lads. I am buzzing to be here.
“I have watched them over the years and it is such a great place to be. I just can’t wait to get going. I am buzzing about the chance to play games again.
“It is always good to get in with the lads straight away in training and hopefully I can start playing some games.
“The fans can expect hard work, a team player and hopefully someone that scores goals. I just give everything I can for the lads on the pitch. That is what I am going to do.”
Gregory is the second player to sign for the Rams on Deadline Day following the arrival of Teden Mengi on loan from Manchester United.
The striker has enjoyed a brief chat with Rams boss Rooney who is pleased to have him at his disposal.
“He just said welcome really,” Gregory said. “We haven’t really had much time this morning as we have been busy with medicals and stuff. He is just happy that I am here, and so am I.”
Some fans may remember Gregory scoring a hat-trick against the Rams in April 2015 whilst with Millwall.
He netted a goal and two from the penalty spot to put the Lions 3-1 up at The Den before Derby scored twice in the last 20 minutes to secure a 3-3 draw.
“We will keep that on the quiet though,” Gregory laughed. “I am hopefully scoring for Derby now, not against them. Hopefully I can get a few.”