3/1 To Win
Striker Kemar Roofe says he’s ready to hit the ground running and make an impact after signing for Derby County.
The 32-year-old frontman has signed up with the Rams after training with the squad over recent days on a deal that runs until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
He was most recently on the books of Scottish giants Rangers and brings a wealth of Sky Bet Championship experience from his time with Leeds United - where he made 123 appearances and scored 33 goals over three seasons in West Yorkshire.
Roofe spoke to RamsTV for the first time after becoming a Derby player and admitted his delight at joining the club.
On making the move to Derby County…
It's a move that I wasn't expecting at all from start to finish, but I won't get into the meat of it because it's all complicated, but the final part is the most important and I'm here now and I'm excited to get going. It has been all about mental strength, just to getting through what I needed to get through and also having the drive and the focus to stay fit and keep working on myself and keep running every day, keep doing my gym work every day until the opportunity came along and finally it has.
On previous meetings against the Rams with Leeds…
As a striker, you kind of remember all your goals. You might need a reminder a little bit of a video or something, but as soon as you see it, you feel like you're in that moment again and you live every second of it in slow motion. I enjoy all my goals, but hopefully, I can score goals for Derby this time.
On growing as a player…
Hopefully, I’ll be a better one [since last playing against Derby in the Championship], more experienced and every season I try and learn something new every time. Hopefully I can show that out on the pitch.
On choosing Derby County…
This is a massive club. Even just coming to the training ground, the facilities speak for themselves. The new gaffer was also a major influence on my decision to come here. I have also worked with Keith Downing as my youth team manager, so I know him. I've come and trained with the squad, the players, the staff, and everybody has made me feel welcome as if I've been here for months already. I'm looking forward to it. I'm always ready. I'll do my best whenever I'm called upon.
