Post by derbiean on Aug 13, 2009 11:36:56 GMT -1
Jake Livermore has revealed that a glowing reference from ex-Ram Tom Huddlestone was a major factor in his decision to join Derby County on loan.
Livermore joined the Rams on loan from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, but will not be available until 22 August when Plymouth Argyle visit Pride Park because he is currently serving a suspension carried over from last season.
Huddlestone - who made just under 100 appearances for the Rams between 2002 and 2005 before a £2.5 Million move to White Hart Lane - gave him the lowdown on the Rams before he made the decision to head north and put pen-to-paper.
Livermore told dcfc.co.uk: "I'll admit I don't know an awful lot about Derby, but I spoke to Tom Huddlestone and he was very complementary about the club.
"He told me about the set-up and facilities, which are magnificent.
"He didn't need to tell me Derby are a good club in general with fantastic support, because I knew that already.
"The biggest attraction to come here was the Manager, Nigel Clough.
"I've had interest from a number of clubs but his pedigree as a Manager stands out and the opportunity was too good to miss."
Livermore cannot wait for his suspension to pass so he can prove his worth to the Derby faithful, and he is relishing the prospect of playing in the Championship.
He isn't looking beyond the initial month right now, but it is clear he is relishing the challenge.
"This is a great opportunity for me to prove myself at this level," he said.
"At the moment I'm in an awkward position with the suspension hanging over me, so I can't wait to get that out of the way and get down to playing football.
"There is already a lot of ability and quality in the squad, so I just hope I can add to that.
"We have some big games coming up and I'm looking forward to playing in front of a full house - hopefully - against Plymouth and then the local derby against Forest.
"I'm here for a month as it stands, but I know Spurs and Derby are talking about something longer, but at the moment I'm just focused on getting the suspension out of the way and playing for Derby."
Livermore joined the Rams on loan from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, but will not be available until 22 August when Plymouth Argyle visit Pride Park because he is currently serving a suspension carried over from last season.
Huddlestone - who made just under 100 appearances for the Rams between 2002 and 2005 before a £2.5 Million move to White Hart Lane - gave him the lowdown on the Rams before he made the decision to head north and put pen-to-paper.
Livermore told dcfc.co.uk: "I'll admit I don't know an awful lot about Derby, but I spoke to Tom Huddlestone and he was very complementary about the club.
"He told me about the set-up and facilities, which are magnificent.
"He didn't need to tell me Derby are a good club in general with fantastic support, because I knew that already.
"The biggest attraction to come here was the Manager, Nigel Clough.
"I've had interest from a number of clubs but his pedigree as a Manager stands out and the opportunity was too good to miss."
Livermore cannot wait for his suspension to pass so he can prove his worth to the Derby faithful, and he is relishing the prospect of playing in the Championship.
He isn't looking beyond the initial month right now, but it is clear he is relishing the challenge.
"This is a great opportunity for me to prove myself at this level," he said.
"At the moment I'm in an awkward position with the suspension hanging over me, so I can't wait to get that out of the way and get down to playing football.
"There is already a lot of ability and quality in the squad, so I just hope I can add to that.
"We have some big games coming up and I'm looking forward to playing in front of a full house - hopefully - against Plymouth and then the local derby against Forest.
"I'm here for a month as it stands, but I know Spurs and Derby are talking about something longer, but at the moment I'm just focused on getting the suspension out of the way and playing for Derby."
