New signing Marcus Harness says he ‘can’t wait to get started’ in a Derby County shirt after a ‘crazy’ day, joining in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old has joined Paul Warne’s squad on a season-long loan from Ipswich Town. Harness made 34 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship as the Tractor Boys clinched promotion to the Premier League in the 2023/24 campaign.
The move to Derby sees a return to the area for the versatile attacker, after coming through the ranks of Burton Albion as a young player where he spent time out on loan with local non-league outfit Ilkeston Town and made 83 senior appearances for the Brewers.
Harness caught up with RamsTV after completing the deal to discuss his excitement at becoming a Ram, the crazy nature of deadline day and there was also a cameo appearance from his dog, Kaiser!
On joining Derby County on deadline day…
It's amazing. It's been a tough day, waiting to see what was going to happen. I'm buzzing to be here. I can't wait to get started and be at Pride Park tomorrow to support the lads in my first game.
On returning to the area after spells with Burton and Ilkeston earlier in his career…
I've spent a lot of time in this kind of area. I’ve played against Derby a lot, they were always the big brother down the road when I was coming through in the youth team at Burton. It's crazy and it's exciting.
I know a lot about the club from being in touching distance for a long time. I’m really excited to be a part of Derby County. There are great facilities here and somewhere that it's a great place to come to work in the morning. I'm sure I’ll be spending a lot of time here and I am looking forward to it.
On former Ipswich team-mate Kayden Jackson, and getting to know the squad…
I spoke to him earlier. We didn't say much, but I spoke to him a little bit. He told me how good it is here, that it would be a good fit for me - and that the team could do with someone like me.
I’m really looking forward to it. The international break's here, so I'll get some time to get to know the lads. I'm sure, before my first game, it's going to be a good time.