Tawanda Chirewa says he’s excited to get down to work and ‘become a better player’ under Paul Warne after he was confirmed as Derby County’s ninth summer signing on Bank Holiday Monday.
The 20-year-old, who can play in various attacking positions, has joined the Rams on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Zimbabwe international, who joined Wolves from Ipswich Town a year ago, enjoyed a breakthrough year at Molineux last term and appeared in the top-flight on several occasions towards the end of the season.
Chirewa had several options to choose from when it came to moving out on loan, having also signed a new contract with Wolves, but once he spoke to Warne he was convinced that joining Derby was the right step at this stage of his career.
On his first impressions of Derby County…
It’s a brilliant place to be and a brilliant training ground. Everything I’ve seen so far is really good. I was at Watford on Saturday watching the game and while it was a disappointing result, the players worked really hard and could have got a draw. The support of the fans was amazing. I was in the away end and it was loud and fantastic; there wasn’t an empty seat. It wasn’t our day, but hopefully tomorrow against Barrow and Bristol City on Saturday it will be.
On how long the loan move has been in the pipeline…
I have known for a while I was going to go out on loan from Wolves this year. There were different places I could have gone to. I spoke to the gaffer here and straight away I wanted to come in, meet him, play under him and see the players. Paul Warne is key to why I have come here; he is a character and is vibrant. I felt he was someone I could play under, get along with and trust. He is someone who is straightforward and that is what I want in my career. I am looking forward to getting better under him.
On his year at Wolves last year and making his Premier League debut…
Last season was amazing and some of the best moments of my career so far. I had my first start in the Premier League against Arsenal; that was a brilliant day. It was a good season, to be honest. I am here now and looking forward to playing games and helping this team as far as we can go up the table.
On his own personal attributes…
I would say I am an attacking midfielder; someone who can score goals and create chances. I work hard and believe I am quite athletic. I hope I can help the team and be composed and calm with the ball. We’ve got some great attacking players already, so I want to be part of that in the Championship this year.
On knowing Kayden Jackson from his time at Ipswich…
I know Kayden, which helps. I was a bit younger back then and he was in the first team at Ipswich. I trained with the squad quite a bit there, so it is good that I know someone coming in here at Derby. I am looking forward to working with him again.
On getting to know the squad…
We’ve got a long drive to Barrow for the Carabao Cup game on Tuesday, so that’s how I’ll get to know everyone! Speaking to people that have been here before, I’ve heard everyone is brilliant and it is a real family. I can’t wait to get started!