Swansea City forward Jerry Yates today became Derby County’s third signing of the summer ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship season.
The 27-year-old has joined on a season-long loan from the Swans and links back up with Head Coach Paul Warne, having previously played under him at Rotherham United.
Speaking to RamsTV after sealing the move to Pride Park Stadium, Yates spoke of his excitement at being reunited with Warne and how much he’s looking forward to get going in a Rams shirt.
On getting the move sorted…
I’m excited. I’m so happy to be here and, to be honest, I just want the season to start already.
On reuniting with Paul Warne and his coaching staff…
He gave me my first start in league football, so I’ll always be grateful for that and I think we’ve both come on leaps and bounds since being at Rotherham. I’m happy to reunite with him. He demands a lot of running and hard work, but that’s the minimum anyone should give anyway.
On his first impressions of Moor Farm…
I arrived yesterday and had a little tour. There’s a lot going on. It’s probably the best training ground I’ve been to so I’m certainly excited to be working here every day.
On whether he’s ready for his first session with the lads…
I just want to get the first day out of the way, one day at a time. I’m excited though, I’m excited to meet all the lads and get training. I know Curtis Nelson from our Blackpool days and he was saying all the lads were top, so I’m looking forward to getting involved.
On whether he’s looking forward to his first appearance at Pride Park…
The attendances that the club had here last season in League One speak for themselves, so I’ll be expecting those again in the Championship. It’s a massive club and when I got the call to see if I wanted to come here, I grabbed it with both hands. I’m just excited to be here.
On what motivated him to join Derby County…
The stature of the club. The fans are very passionate about Derby County. I’ve played here previously; it might have even been under Paul Warne for Rotherham. When it’s bouncing and when it’s good, I don’t think there will be many better places in the Championship.
On what fans can expect from him as a player…
It’s instilled in me that I’ll always give 100%, I’m that type of player. I’ll be free and confident playing under the gaffer, and I can’t wait to get going now.
