Coventry City free transfer man makes ‘strange’ Derby County admission after return confirmed
Coventry City transfer news from CoventryLive as former Sky Blues striker Martyn Waghorn discusses his move back to Pride Park
Martyn Waghorn says he is a different player now after rejoining Derby County on a free transfer following his release from Coventry City.
The veteran striker has been training with the Rams after being invited in by manager Paul Warne, and now he has done enough to convince the club that he has something to offer. Re-joining the League One club on a one-year deal, the former Sky Blues player says he’s looking forward to working with a contrasting style of manager to what he’s previously experienced.
aghorn was in the stands for Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Wigan and has become the club’s eighth summer signing. The 33-year-old has been training with Derby since the 3-0 win over Stoke City in pre-season and has impressed Warne over the last few weeks.
He could be included in the squad that faces Blackpool in the EFL Cup on tonight.
Waghorn is chuffed to officially be a Ram once again after what he admits has been a “strange” trial period. He told RamsTV: “I’m delighted to be back to be honest. It’s been a strange couple of weeks being in and around the place but I’m over the moon to get it over the line and I’m ready to get going now.
“The vision of the club and where we need to be and where we all want to be. Obviously I’ve got great history with the place but the chance of being successful here appeals.
“I’m a different player now, a different person and hopefully I can use all my experience to help the team to get back to where we want to be. There’s no greater incentive then being in front of these fans and my family week in and week out.”
Expanding on how he has evolved as a player, Waghorn said: “I’m a lot more experienced. I’m more of a well-rounded player and someone that has gained a lot of knowledge of how to play certain situations and understand the game a little bit better. I’m still hungry as ever, still want to win, still want to achieve and still want to score goals and give 100% for the team.”
Waghorn is looking forward to working more closely with Rams boss Warne now that the deal has been done. He said: “He’s been brilliant, a complete contrast to what I’ve been used to in the past. Where I’m at in my career, I’m really looking forward to having that relationship and hopefully we can use each others experiences and get the best out of each other.
“In terms of a manager, to have the relationship he has with players is quite different but the lads love it and it’s something I can really get on board with.”