3/1 To Win
Callum Elder says the Derby County squad are ‘striving for success’ in the 2024/25 season after enduring a challenging first day of pre-season preparations in the heat with his team-mates in Spain on Monday.
The Rams’ left-back has emphasised the importance of competition for places in Paul Warne’s squad, after the group took part in a double session at their training camp in Alicante.
Elder spoke to RamsTV to discuss life at the training camp and how the group is shaping up for the upcoming Sky Bet Championship campaign, following their promotion from League One last term.
On the progress the team is making in pre-season …
I think the first day is always about adjusting to the climate. It’s really hot out here, but it’s great to be away with the lads. The new signings have integrated into the group really well so it’s good to have them out here. We’re all working hard together, it’s what pre-season is all about really. We’re looking forward to a tough week; we can test ourselves and see how we’re getting on.
On the change from a rainy Moor Farm to sunny Spain…
It is a challenge, especially when you think it should be summer in England - but the weather has been a little bit ropey! All the lads love it; a change of climate and a change of scenery allows us to get out and become stronger as a group as we welcome the new lads in. I’d say the first few days [in the heat] are the toughest as we get used to it. Playing and training in this climate, trying to do the things we are working on in match conditions, is always a test. We’ve come out here to get fitter, stronger and prepare ourselves in the best way for the season.
On the positive feeling in the camp…
It comes down to a couple of things, the gaffer always reiterates that he tries to bring in good characters into the squad. On top of that, we have come off the back of a promotion-winning season, so the comradery in the squad is strong. We are a welcoming group, and all the lads bring something new, so we are delighted to have them on board.
On competitive nature of the group…
I think that’s the nature of the business. We are footballers and are striving to be the best, to play in the team every week. There is always competition, but we’ve gone up a division now so it’s going to be even tougher. We are a competitive group, and we are striving for more success this season.
