3/1 To Win
Thursday 19th May 2005.
That’s the last time Tom Huddlestone pulled on a Derby County shirt at Pride Park Stadium.
Until today.
More than 12 years on, the midfielder will pull on the black and white at the stadium where he made his breakthrough in professional football and it’s been clear over the last three weeks since he returned to the club from Hull City that this signing has captured the imagination of the Rams faithful.
“The reaction has been overwhelming – especially on Twitter,” Huddlestone told The Ram.
“I try not to read too much into people’s opinions on social media. You know yourself whether you have had a good game or not or whether you are going to be a positive influence on the team and I would like to think that I can be.
"It’s nice to have the fans on my side and hear that they are as happy as I am that I am back here.”
He has made a swift impression too and hit the ground running with some standout displays in the holding midfield role.
The 30-year-old impressed so much in his first game, at Port Vale, that he wasn’t just applauded off by Derby supporters when he was substituted after 66 minutes, but the home fans too.
“I had forgot about that,” Huddlestone said.
“I wasn’t too sure whether there were a few Derby fans in the home end, but that was really nice.
"I enjoyed the game and I was just happy to be back out on the pitch. To be appreciated by both sets of fans is very humbling.”
Our full interview with Tom Huddlestone can be read in today's edition of The Ram! Purchase your copy for £2.50 from all around Pride Park Stadium or have it delivered to your door! Full details can be found here.
