Robbie Savage has declared that Derby's long-term plan 'fills him with confidence'.
Midfielder thrilled to join Jewell at Derby
Robbie Savage has declared that Derby's long-term plan 'fills him with confidence'.
The Welshman is looking forward to the relegation battle ahead after completing a £1.5million move from Blackburn
He also attracted interest from Sunderland but insists he was swayed by Rams manager Paul Jewell's determination to bring him in.
Savage has been promised regular football and claims he even took a pay cut to join Derby.
"I wanted to play first team football and Mark Hughes couldn't give me that, so he gave me permission to speak to other clubs and it has happened from there really," Savage told
Sky Sports News.
"As soon as I new Paul was interested I was always going to come to Derby. He was the key factor in why I have come.
Pay cut
"I have taken a pay cut to come and just play football and I am happy to do that."
The midfielder believes Derby stand an excellent chance of winning promotion straight back to the Premier League if they finish in the bottom three this season.
He said: "It will be very difficult to stay up but obviously if we do go down it will be another challenge and I would look forward to that.
"The long-term plan filled with me with confidence. This is a Premier league club and if we do have to stake a step back, I'm sure we will come back stronger."
Savage has some history with the Derby supporters but he added: "I think they can judge me on my performances and not on what has gone on before."
Jewell has expressed his delight at signing a player he feels will strengthen Derby in a number of ways.
Great signing
"It is a great signing for us, the sort of player we needed," said Jewell.
"Robbie's reputation for being battling and competitive does not do his ability as a footballer justice.
"He knows we are in a difficult position but he knows, like I do, that if we do go down, we will be preparing to come straight back up."
Jewell has been busy in the transfer market since the start of January but he is hoping to add two or three more players over the coming weeks, with Tottenham's Hossam Ghaly and Rangers goalkeeper Roy Carroll among his targets.
Hoping for more
"Along with Danny Mills, Laurent Robert and Emmanuel Villa, we're starting to get a stronger squad together and hopefully by the end of the window we'll have added two or three more
"(Ghaly) is not done yet but everything is agreed between the two clubs and we are just working on work permit details.
"I have been in contact with Walter (Smith) for a while now (about Carroll) and hopefully we can get that over the line, if not today then certainly tomorrow."
