3/1 To Win
Erik Pieters has spoken for the first time after he joined Derby County as a free agent until the end of the 2024/25 season.
The left-back, who can also play at centre-back, will bring a wealth of experience into John Eustace’s squad.
Pieters made 206 appearances for Stoke City from 2013 to 2019 before joining Burnley and he made over 200 appearances in the Premier League with the Potters and the Clarets.
In more recent seasons, the 36-year-old has been plying his trade in the Sky Bet Championship, spending two seasons at West Bromwich Albion and has been on the books with Luton Town earlier this season.
Pieters sat down with RamsTV to discuss joining the Rams until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
On joining Derby County until the end of the season…
I've been to other places this season, I was with Luton in pre-season and in December and January. Before I came here, I had also trained with Middlesbrough. Then the gaffer sent me a message saying: “What's your situation?” I was still a free agent, and I'm ready to go. I have trained with the lads - and the gaffer was pleased with it.
On how the move came about…
I'm in that transition period in my career, but I have still felt ready to play. I was in contact with John Eustace earlier in the season when he was at Blackburn Rovers. Then, out of the blue, he just messaged me when he was at Derby and it’s been really good for me.
On feelings on the squad after training with them for the last few weeks…
It's a great group. It’s been good fun, and the group is all really determined in what they do. I'm looking forward to being part of that and helping Derby to stay in the league.
On goals and ambitions set when joining…
I think I can help the team out with my experience. Behind the scenes, I will be helping everyone through these eight games. It was really important to stay in the league.
Everyone knows that if you have wins on the board, it helps the momentum going. It's just a shame that there’s a break in between matches recently, an international break. But the lads are looking good, and everyone is ready for the final eight games.
