Ryan Allsop has described the decision to join Derby County as ‘an instant no-brainer’.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper has joined the Rams on a one-year deal as a free agent after leaving Wycombe Wanderers in the summer.
Allsop has over 250 career games to his name and joins Derby on a permanent basis after training with the squad over the course of pre-season.
After putting pen-to-paper, the Birmingham-born player is looking forward to the next chapter in his career with the Rams and he was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Huddersfield Town.
“I’m really excited,” Allsop told RamsTV. “As soon as I got the phone call about Derby registering interest, it was a no-brainer instantly for me.
“I live in Birmingham, so it is a local one and it is a massive club too. The set-up is unbelievable, and I am delighted to get it over the line.
“I had a little bit of interest elsewhere, but as soon as I knew Derby were interested, I was fully focused on trying to get that sorted.
“I just want to kick on now and all of us in the goalkeeping team are looking to help each other and improve each other. I am still learning my trade and hopefully we can all push each other on.”
He added: “It has been really enjoyable over the last few weeks training here. I was keen to get in the building, I didn’t want to fall behind on my training and fitness. I wanted to get in and get going, meet the lads and get integrated as soon as possible ready for the go-ahead to put pen to paper.”
Allsop has admitted the prospect of playing under Derby boss Wayne Rooney is an exciting one.
Rooney’s standing in the game is high after an outstanding playing career for club and country and Allsop is looking forward to working with him.
“To play under the manager is a massive pull for any player,” he said. “He is one of the best strikers there’s been. That is a big pull, to learn off one of the best players England has ever produced.
“I am delighted to get it sorted, to play under him and to get the season started.”
Although Wycombe were relegated from the Championship last term, Allsop believes the campaign was his best yet.
He made 32 appearances in all competitions and feels he is at an age where his best years are very much ahead of him.
“I feel like last season was probably the best of my career, playing at Wycombe at this level,” he said. “I felt like I held my own and did well. Wycombe were relegated, but on a personal level I felt like my performances were good and I wanted to stay at this level and try and prove myself even more.
“As a player you want to play as high as you can for as long as possible. I felt it was the right to for me to take the plunge and try and stay in the Championship. I know it is going to be a challenge to play, we all want to play the games and only one of us can play.”
He added: “We are all going to push each other, the dynamic between us is really good. I am thoroughly enjoying it so far.”
