Derby County signed Duane Holmes from Scunthorpe United on deadline day.
New Derby County signing Duane Holmes has told the club’s official website that it was his agent who convinced him of a move to Pride Park after citing the opportunity to play under manager Frank Lampard.
“There was interest from other clubs in the summer and my agent mentioned Derby County. He said that if I had the chance to play under Frank Lampard then I must take it,” Holmes commented.
“I had been at Scunthorpe at 12 noon and by 2pm I was at Derby’s training ground and was having a conversation with the manager. I grew up watching Frank Lampard so I was a bit starstruck, but I’m used to it now.”
Holmes joined Derby from Scunthorpe United on deadline day, becoming the club’s seventh permanent addition of summer following the arrivals of players such as Martyn Waghorn and Florian Jozefzoon.
The United States born winger hasn’t featured too much, but he did make an impression during the Rams’ 4-0 Carabao Cup victory over Hull City as he came off the bench and grabbed two assists.
The 23-year-old wasn’t signed as a regular first-teamer, more a player who will add depth to the squad and later challenge for a regular spot once he gets up to speed with the rigors of Championship football.
Holmes cites the influence of manager Lampard as having a big effect on his decision to join the Rams, and he’s not the only player who has moved to Pride Park largely due to the former Chelsea midfielder.
Lampard’s connections with the Blues has allowed him to bring in the likes of Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount on loan, with the latter flourishing in that attacking midfield role, having scored three goals so far for the Rams.
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