3/1 To Win
Joe Ledley spoke about his excitement for the future after penning a new contract with Derby County.
After initially joining the Rams in September on a short-term deal until January, the Wales international has put pen-to-paper on a fresh 18-month contract with the option of a further year.
Since joining the Rams, Ledley has been an integral part of Gary Rowett’s side that has claimed six wins and three draws from the ten matches he has featured in to date..
Speaking of his delight of signing fresh terms, Ledley told RamsTV: “I’m delighted to sign a contract with the club.
“The club have been brilliant with me since I came through the door and they have welcomed me with open arms.
“It is a club that is going forwards and has got potential so hopefully we can make the Premier League, because that is where we all want to be.
“It is a great club and the fans have been brilliant; I’m looking forward to the future.”
After a frustrating summer without a club, Ledley reminisced to the phone-call he received from Rowett asking to sign for Derby.
Ledley admitted that the faith shown by the manager is why Derby was only ever an option when it came to committing his future.
He added: “It was a frustrating summer for myself and things took longer than I initially expected.
“The manager here in Gary Rowett rang me and asked me to come and play for a few months until January.
“Obviously I wanted to stay here longer but these things happen in football and I had to bide my time. Credit to Derby, though, they’ve rewarded me with a contract.”
Ledley went on to say: “Since I came here, my main focus was Derby. It has taken longer than I expected but these things happen in football and for me it is just great to have a contract.
“I’ve enjoyed playing in the Championship. It is different to the Premier League but it’s a good league and it’s getting better every year.
“It is a great challenge for myself and it would be the icing on the cake if I could get promoted.”
